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There was a deafening report ; the sloop reeled under the recoil of the swivel, 
and I believed we had blown the entire boat load into eternity.— Page 311. 
Frontis. Amos Dunkel. 



AMOS DUNKEL, 

OARSMAN. 


A STORY OF THE WHALE BOAT NAVY OF 1776. ' 


•/ 

By JAMES OTIS. W > 



With Eight Page Illustrations by J. Watson Davis. 


; NEW. 



A. L. BURT, PUBLISHER. 


1 



the HBRAKV uT 

CONGRESS, 

Two CoPiM Received 

JUL. 1 190* 

COPVRIGHT ENTRY 

OLAS#<VXX«. N.. 

?/75 

COPY a 


Copyriglit, 1901, by A. L. Burt. 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 
By James Otis. 


CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER PAGE 

I. Myself 1 

II. Captain Hyler 32 

III. A Prize 50 

IV. Under False Colors 67 

V. Contrary TO Orders 85 

VI. British Prisoners .‘ 103 

VII. Oyster Bay 121 

VIII. The Rendezvous 145 

IX. The Venture 169 

X. A Perilous Moment 193 

XI. Our Prisoners 211 

XII. The Attempt 229 

XIII. For Life 248 

XIV. Smithtown Bay 266 

XV. Treachery -. 285 

XVI. The Attack 303 

XVII. Bad News 324 

XVIII. One Night’s Work 340 

XIX. Honorable Discharge 359 



NOTE. 


‘‘ During the entire period of the Revolution 
the British held New York City, a part of West- 
chester County, and all of Staten . and Long 
Islands under military rule. There were no 
elections — no voting except at annual town meet- 
ings — none except town taxes to pay — no judges 
— no courts of civil judicature, their place being 
supplied by the arbitrary fiat of a King’s justice 
or some military character. True, a summary 
Court of Police was after a while established in 
New York City ; and at length, in the year 1780, 
for the greater convenience of His Majesty’s 
loyal subjects on Long Island, a Court of Police 
was also opened in Jamaica. The inhabitants 
could not go to or from the city, or bring out 
goods, without a permit. The price of wood and 
farmer’s produce was regulated by proclamation ; 
their horses, wagons and persons, could at any 
time he impressed into the King’s service at a 
stipulated price. In the winter season almost 
every village and hamlet was filled with British 
soldiers and wagoners, billeted in the people’s 


VI 


NOTE. 


houses, or cantoned in temporary huts. The 
consequence was, a ready market and high price 
for such of the farmer's produce as had not been 
previously pilfered. The farmers flourished on 
British gold ; but as there were few opportu- 
nities for investing it, and no banks of deposit for 
safekeeping, they were compelled to keep their 
money by them, and were often robbed. The 
churches, not of the established faith, were 
mostly occupied by soldiers, or used as store- 
houses and prisons ; some were even torn down. 

In Suffolk County (Long Island) the illicit 
trade forms a striking feature. This consisted 
in buying imported goods in New York City 
(with the professed design of retailing them to 
faithful subjects in the County), and then carry- 
ing them down the Island to secret landing- 
places, whence they were sent across the Sound 
in whale-boats, under cover of night, and ex- 
changed with the people of Connecticut for pro- 
visions and farmers’ produce, of which the 
British army stood in great need. Though this 
trade was prohibited by both American and 
British authority, yet the cunning of the smug- 
glers (who often acted as spies) generally eluded 
the sleepy vigilance of government officials. 
This trade was protected by the sparse population 


NOTE. 


vii 

of Suffolk County, the extensive sea-border, the 
absence of a British armed force, and the pro- 
verbial insincerity of the people in their professed 
allegiance. 

Owing to this Whiggish feeling of the in- 
habitants, every invading party of their brethren 
from the Main — whether to Sag Harbor, St. 
Georges, or Slongo — always found ready and 
effectual aid in guides, food, or information. 
Indeed, Washington used to say that he always 
had more correct knowledge by spies, of the 
position and designs of the British army on Long 
Island, than any other place. In fine, the British 
authority in Suffolk County was little more than 
an empty shadow. 

Quite different was the state of things in 
in Queens and Kings Counties. Here a great 
body of the people were at heart loyal, the 
settled parts were more compact, and rarely free 
from the presence of armed troops, spreading 
dissipation and shining gold with open hand. 

Although the people of Long Island had 
taken an oath of fealty to the British crown in 
1Y?6, they were never deemed bona fide British 
subjects, and on tlie return of peace, in 1Y83 
(with the exception of a few who were attainted 
of treason), they quietly slipped off their oath 


NOTE. 


viii 

with their loyalty, and, without the formality 
of abjuring their allegiance, took their places 
among the citizens of these free and Independent 
States.” —Onderdonk’s “ Eevolutionary Inci- 
dents.” 

The story which here follows cannot in truth 
he called my own, since it is in greater part taken 
literally from the worn and musty pages of that 
which AmosDunkel entitles his confession.” 

It has been edited carefully, with a thorough 
verification of dates and incidents, and some of 
the language changed in order that it may be 
better understood by the reader of to-day, yet 
it remains in fact the story of Amos Dunkel, 
who having, together with the other members of 
the family, sworn allegiance to the king, after- 
ward did valiant service in behalf of the strug- 
gling Colonists as a member of that ^‘Whaleboat 
navy,” concerning which the historian spends but 
few words, although General Washington him- 
self was disposed to give it great credit. 


JAMES OTIS. 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


CHAPTEE I. 

MYSELF. 

I, Amos Dunkel, who am about to set down 
certain events that my descendants may know 
why the Dunkel family gave no heed to their 
oath of fealty sworn solemnly to the king, was 
born in the settlement of Flushing, on Long 
Island, in the year 1760, therefore in ’76 I was 
only a lad, counting by age ; but a man grown so 
far as experience and hard knocks were concerned. 

At the beginning of the year when the Colonists 
had the bravery to declare themselves free and 
independent, baptizing such declaration with 
their blood, my father, Seth Dunkel, my two 
brothers, Zenas and Moses, and myself, were, in 
a certain measure, forced to swear allegiance 
to the king, and at the time the four of us 
fully intended to keep our solemn word, which 
was about all we could really call our own, 


2 AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

being well-nigh impoverished by one army or the 
other. 

We were then ready to lodge information 
against the Whigs, and glad to serve the Tories ; 
but when General Woodhull was killed in such a 
cowardly manner I believed that we were justified 
in changing coats, and in giving all our time and 
strength to the so-called Cause of Freedom. 

Here is, in brief, the story of that dastardly 
deed which brought about a thorough change of 
heart in the Dunkel family : 

The general had gone to Jamaica with ninety 
men to gather cattle for the Whig army, and the 
only officer with him was Colonel Kobinson. The 
troops were sent eastward under command of the 
colonel. General Woodhull lingering to receive 
an expected order from the Congress, which was 
then at Harlem. Failing to get the orders, he 
set out alone, riding as far as Carpenter’s Inn, 
when he was overtaken by a thunder-storm and 
sought shelter. 

It was the 28th day of September when the old 
gentleman thus set out. I remember well the 
date, because my brother Zen as and myself had 
but then decided to present ourselves in New 
York City as recruits for his majesty’s light dra- 
goons on the 29th, and were yet discussing the 


MYSELF. 3 

matter when we saw a detachment of the 17th 
dragoons, the very body we were most eager to 
join, ride through the town in hot haste. 

They hauled up at Mrs. Cebra’s house, which was 
not more than a stone’s throw from my father’s, 
and, hastening out regardless of the storm, 
Zenas and I arrived just as the officer in charge of 
the detachment was asking if Colonel Eobinson 
was there. 

Eobert Moore, one of the Newton family, who 
had stopped at the house to keep Mrs. Cebra 
company during the tempest, for she was in 
mortal fear of lightning, came to the door to make 
reply to the horseman’s question, and in an in- 
stant the officer struck at him with a saber, miss- 
ing the man’s arm by a hair’s breadth. 

Zenas and I were astounded at such action, for 
Eobert Moore was a faithful subject of the king ; 
but we had a better understanding of the matter 
when one of the troopers cried out that he who 
stood in the doorway was not Colonel Eobinson. 

Then Master Moore, harboring no malice, even 
though the blow had but just missed maiming 
him for life, explained to the officer of the dra- 
goons that Colonel Eobinson and General Wood- 
hull had ridden eastward, whereupon the troops 
were ordered on at full speed once more, and the 


4 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


sequel to the sad story was told us within the 
next four and twenty hours. 

When the horsemen rode up to Carpenter’s Inn 
at full speed, their sabers flashing in the glare of 
the lightning, the old general came out of the 
house and went into the horse-shed, where he was 
in the act of mounting his own steed at the mo- 
ment the dragoons were upon him. 

Captain Oliver Delaney, who was in command 
of the troops, shouted while he was yet a dozen 
yards distant : 

Surrender, you rebel !” 

The general wheeled around quickly ; under- 
stood that resistance would be worse than useless, 
and, drawing his sword, extended the hilt toward 
Captain Delaney, who cried as he received it : 
Now shout ‘ God save the king ’ ! ” 

I will cry with a right good will, ^ God save 
all honest men,’ ” the old man replied. 

Shout ^ God save the king’!” the captain 
insisted, leading his troopers yet nearer the 
general. 

‘‘ God save all honest men, and that should 
include even kings,” General Woodhull replied 
with some heat, and the words were hardly more 
than spoken when the entire force was striking 
at him with their sabers. 


MYSELF. 


5 


But that there were so "many, the old man 
would have been killed in a twinkling ; but the 
troopers stood in the way of each other, and 
no more than three weapons struck his white 
head. 

After they had sufficiently hacked their de- 
fenseless but undaunted prisoner, he was 
mounted, the blood streaming from his wounds, 
behind one of the horsemen, and the party rode 
back to Jamaica in hot haste lest the rebel force 
should return. 

General Woodhull was taken to Hinchman’s 
tavern, and there his friend Dr. Ogden, seeing 
the poor man, asked permission to dress his 
wounds ; but the request was refused. A British 
surgeon bound up carelessly the most severe of 
the cuts, md further than that the general was 
given no nursing or attention. 

I afterward saw the sleeve of his shirt, which 
had in it seven gashes, and his hat literally cut 
to ribbons. 

Next day he was taken to New Utrecht and 
put on board an old vessel that had been used to 
transport live stock, and on which were no 
quarters such as should have been given to the 
vilest criminal, to say nothing of one whose 
greatest crime consisted in the determination to 


6 AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

do what he might toward throwing off the yoke 
of the king. 

The general was so near death by this time that 
even Captain Delaney’s heart was moved with 
pity, and after two hours or more had passed, 
he was removed to the house of Wilhelmus Van 
Brunt, which the king’s troops had converted into 
a hospital. 

Speedily his wounded arm, having been so long 
uncared for, began to mortify, and it was decided 
to take it off. Thereupon the general sent ex- 
press to his wife that he had no hopes of life, and 
requested her to gather up what provisions she 
could and hasten to his bedside. She took from 
her farm a wagon-load of bread, crackers, hams, 
butter and the like, and drove with all speed, ar- 
riving just in time to hear his dying words, which 
were that she should distribute the food among 
the suffering, starving Whig prisoners. 

The poor woman went hack to her home with 
the corpse of her husband, and before he was 
hardly more than buried one of the dragoons, 
going out foraging, which is hut another word 
for stealing, was taken prisoner by Colonel Eobin- 
son. 

I have since read what the colonel wrote as the 
dragoon’s confession of that black-hearted crime, 


MYSELF. 


Y 


and can set it down word for word as it appeared 
on the paper which was left for a time with Mrs. 
Cebra : 

‘‘Kobert Troup says that while he was onboard 
a transport used for cattle General Woodhull was 
brought over the rail in a shocking, mangled con- 
dition ; that he asked the general the particulars 
of his capture, and was told that he had been 
taken by a party of light-horse under command 
of Captain Oliver Delaney ; that he was asked by 
the captain if he would surrender ; that he 
answered in the affirmative, provided he would 
treat him like a gentleman, which Captain De- 
laney assured him he would do ; whereupon the 
general delivered his sword, and that imme- 
diately after the said Oliver Delaney struck him ; 
and others of his party, imitating his example, 
did cruelly cut and hack him in the manner 
he then was ; that although he was in such a 
mangled and horrid situation, he had not re- 
ceived the proper attention from a surgeon, nor 
would Captain Delaney allow him a bed upon 
which to lie while he remained on board the trans- 
port.” 

As if all that was not enough to prevent Zenas 
and I from joining the king’s forces, we saw, on 


8 


AMOS DUNKEL, OAESMAN. 


the day after General Woodhull was the same 
as murdered, old Elias Baylis arrested as a spy, 
and this when Master Baylis was, and had 
been for ten years past, totally blind. His only 
crime seems to have been that he was chosen 
chairman of the Jamaica committee of defense. 

It can well be supposed my father’s family dis- 
cussed these brutal acts at great length. We 
knew that both Whigs and Tories had shown 
themselves to be cruel ; but never before had we 
supposed the king’s officers would deliberately 
murder a defenseless old man, for it was neither 
more nor less than murder to thus despatch him 
after he had delivered up his sword, and for the 
first time we deeply regretted having sworn alle- 
giance to his majesty. 

My father bade us remember that an oath can- 
not be taken and then flung lightly aside like an 
old shoe ; that we were bound to the king of our 
own free will, and it stood us in hand to consider 
well both his majesty’s cause and our own situa- 
tion before we came to a decision. 

Emboldened by the tone of his voice, I asked if 
he would be pleased at seeing us members of 
Captain Delaney’s dragoons, whereupon he shook 
his head decidedly ; but made no remark. 

'' If it should be known that you no longer re- 


MYSELF. 


9 


garded your oath of fealty, your liberty, if not 
your lives, would be in danger here,” my mother 
said warningly. 

Then Moses cried hotly : 

‘‘It would seem as if our lives were in danger 
whether we .hold to the king or join the Whigs. 
As for me, I have decided within this last hour 
to enlist in the ranks of those whom Captain 
Delaney calls ‘ rebels.’ ” 

This hold speech took me by surprise, for until 
Moses spoke I had had no idea of attempting any- 
thing against his majesty ; hut once the words 
were uttered it came into my mind that we might 
do worse than throw in our lot with the rebels. 

Once it had been suggested among us that we 
might disregard the oath which had been taken, 
all talked freely of the situation. Until Moses 
gave words to the idea, each member of the family 
had refrained from saying that which was in his 
mind, for I am certain we were of but one 
opinion after the murder of General Woodhull. 

And when we had decided to cast off all alle- 
giance to the king, it was the same as if we an- 
nounced our purpose of enlisting in the rebel army, 
for, as my mother had said, our lives would be 
in danger once the disaffection was known to the 
Eoyalists. 


10 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


From that moment we spoke only of how we 
might best serve the colonists, with the least 
danger to those whom we loved. 

In years to come the words as written above 
may sound strange, and need explanation, for it 
would ordinarily seem as if what might be done 
by men would not work harm to their relatives, 
but true it is that both Whigs and Tories often 
punished the wives or mothers of those who 
differed with them in political opinions. As an 
example, and at the risk of setting down too 
much in the effort to prove that our family did 
not commit a crime in breaking the oath taken, 
I propose to relate one or two incidents to prove 
how far men could go in the way of cruelty to 
uphold or strengthen their peculiar views. 

One week before the murder of General Wood- 
hull, a detachment of the 17th light dragoons 
visited Great Neck and Cow Neck in search of 
those who opposed the rule of the king. They 
arrived at the home of Adrian Onderdonk near 
about noon, surrounded it so that no living 
creature larger than a cat might make its escape, 
and began searching the buildings. An officer 
and three men did the work, up-stairs and down, 
thrusting their bayonets or swords into beds, 
curtains and every possible hiding-place, until 


MYSELF. 


11 


very much property had thus been wantonly 
destroyed. 

Master Onderdonk was found sitting in his 
kitchen, and the destruction of property went on 
after he was made prisoner. 

When he asked why the arrest was made, the 
officer replied with an oath : 

Your neighbors complain of you.” 

Master Onderdonk was bound on a horse, and 
taken to New York, where, at the time when we 
Dunkels were turning from Tories to Whigs, he 
was confined in the sugar-house, transformed to 
a prison, on Liberty Street, with the brute Cun- 
ningham as his jailor. It was said by one whose 
word we could not doubt, that in this building 
the prisoners were packed so closely that when, 
after having lain down at night to rest, because 
of the hardness of the oak planks they wished to 
turn over to ease their aching bones, it was 
necessary the entire company make the same 
movement, else would it have been impossible to 
accomplish a change of position. 

That is only one of many acts of cruelty perpe- 
trated by the British, and the Whigs were not so 
very far behind them in violence, as will be 
shown by this case of John Skidmore’s, who lived 
at Oyster Bay. 


12 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


The aged couple had sold their farm and mill, 
and were supposed to have a large amount of 
money on hand. One night, about two weeks 
before General WoodhulPs murder, the door of 
their dwelling was forced open by three men 
whom Master Skidmore recognized as Whigs, 
although their faces were blackened, and he was 
commanded to give up his money. He handed 
the robbers a purse, saying it contained all the 
cash of which he was at that time possessed, 
having just invested a thousand dollars in prop- 
erty on the Connecticut shore. 

The robbers beat him and his wife with the 
butt-ends of their pistols, in the effort to make 
them produce more money, until the old people 
were well-nigh dead, and in fact they did die 
within four and twenty hours. Their negro. 
Jack, a stout fellow, when he heard the noise, 
mounted the kitchen loft and drew the steps after 
him. They fired repeatedly through the floor ; 
but, failing to inflict a serious wound, withdrew 
after having set the building on fire, and but for 
the exertions of the slave, poor Master Skidmore 
and his wife would have been burned to death. 

I could fill many pages with true stories of 
violence done women because their male relatives 
had joined one army or the other, and although 


MYSELF. 


13 


the British themselves took hut small part in 
such work, there was little to choose between the 
Tories and the Whigs. 

All these things were in our minds on that 
evening when we of the Dunkel family discussed 
plans for taking sides with the colonists who 
were opposed to the king’s rule, and the conver- 
sation was carried on in whispers lest some prying 
Tory should be listening at the door or window 
to give information concerning us. 

It was agreed without much argument that it 
would not be safe for us to enlist in the Colonial 
army near our home, therefore we cast about to 
decide which move was the safest, and my father 
finally settled the question. 

Master Pratt has been telling me of the trad- 
ing carried on by Captai^^s Adam Hyler and 
William Marriner,” he said, speaking slowly as 
if to make certain we understood all he would 
convey. ^^They began by trading, and now 
worrying the British to such, an extent that an 
armed force was sent out last week to destroy 
their fleet of boats, for it is said those two men 
own no less than twenty-five well equipped whale- 
boats, each thirty or thirty-five feet long, and 
carrying from six to twenty oars. There is a 
field in which we might aid the Whigs, earning 


14 


AMOS DUNKEL, OAESMAN. 


enough to make a paying business out of it at the 
same time that we served the colony.” 

I had never heard of these men, and asked 
further concerning them. 

^‘They sail from New Brunswick,” my father 
explained, ‘‘and, therefore, you will be enlisting 
so far from home that we may keep the matter a 
secret until it shall be possible to remove your 
mother to a place more safe than this will be 
for her after it is known we have turned our 
coats.” 

“ And you would have us go there, sir ? ” Moses 
asked eagerly. 

“ Not all at the same time,” my father replied, 
for he was a cautious man, and given to looking 
as well after the pennies as to his own safety. 
“ Suppose we draw lots to decide which two of 
us shall make the first venture ? If it proves to 
be a paying business, word can be sent to those 
who remain, and in due time we will all be to- 
gether again, with your mother where we may 
be sure the Tories cannot maltreat her. The two 
who stay here will deny knowing anything about 
those who have departed, and can look after the 
home until we conclude to abandon it finally.” 

To us lads the plan seemed admirable, the more 
so because we would not be taking as many risks 


MYSELF. 15 

as if all went at the same time, and we were eager 
to have the matter settled without delay. 

My father splintered off four bits of pine from 
the bundle of kindlings which had been left near 
the fireplace ; two were long, and the others much 
shorter. 

‘‘Your mother shall hold these,’’ he said, “in 
such fashion that the four ends only show beneath 
her hand. Those who draw the longest are to 
make the first venture.” 

At first mother protested against taking any 
part in what she believed to be a wicked game. 
Until this moment she had not joined in the con- 
versation ; but now she declared it was the same 
as forcing her to send her sons or husband to their 
death, perhaps, and she would have no hand in it. 

Zenas, who was ever a master at an argument, 
soon showed her that two of us would go whether 
she held the lots or not, and by thus helping us 
- to a decision she was no more than aiding in an 
impartial choice. 

Finally she allowed herself to be convinced, for 
Zenas could bring her around to his way of think- 
ing more quickly than any one else, and the lots 
were drawn. 

Zenas and I held the longest splinters of pine, 
and, never dreaming how much of danger we 


16 


AMOS DUNKEL, OAfiSMAN. 


would be called upon to share, I was in the highest 
spirits because of being the first to make the 
venture. 

Once the question was settled my father began 
laying plans for our journey to New Brunswick. 
There was no further argument, for the Dunkels 
are not prone to linger over any business that has 
once been decided upon. The only proposition 
before us was as to how we might gain the head- 
quarters of this whale-boat navy, and, once there, 
make it known to Captain Hyler or Captain Mar- 
riner that we were lads who, having promised, 
could be depended upon. The fact that we were 
ready to forswear ourselves in the matter of alle- 
giance, might cause a stranger to think we would 
as readily turn our coats the other way. 

Again it was my father who decided for us. 

‘‘The safest plan is to journey by boat,” he 
said after some deliberation. “To go by land 
would insure your running upon squads of the 
king’s soldiers who would require a pass, or send 
you to prison as suspects. As for credentials, I 
reckon Nathan Pratt will provide them. It is in 
my mind that he told me of what was being done 
near about New Brunswick, in the belief that we 
might turn Whigs after the murder of the gen- 
eral, and if such was the case, he will have no 


MYSELF. 17 

hesitation in representing you as lads who can be 
relied upon. I will see him this night.” 

Having said this my father went out of the 
house, leaving us lads to discuss our new politics, 
and Moses to mourn because he had not been so 
fortunate as to draw a longer splinter. In less 
than an hour he had returned, and there was a 
certain tone of satisfaction in his voice as he said, 
while holding out a folded paper : 

‘‘Master Pratt has taken my word, and you 
boys will be able to give a good account of your- 
selves before Captain Hyler. Here is a letter 
which will serve your purpose ; but, if seen by 
Britisher or Tory, insures your imprisonment in 
the sugar-house while the brute Cunningham 
vents his spite upon us.” 

“ When are we to set out ?” Zenas asked. 

“At daybreak ; there is nothing to delay you 
here, and good reason why you should make haste 
to get away. Amos shall carry the letter,” he 
added to me, “and I charge you to keep well in 
mind the danger which awaits us all, even your 
mother, if it be seen by those who yet serve the 
king.” 

I took the paper hesitatingly ; for the first time 
I began to understand that it was neither a simple 

nor a safe piece of business to thus change our 
2 


18 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


coats. It was too late to draw back now, how- 
ever, unless I was minded to let my own people 
believe me a coward, and death would have been 
better than that. 

If you lads are to leave us so soon, it is time 
you went to bed,” mother said, thinking only of 
our comfort or necessities as she ever has done, 
God bless her ! We who are to remain at home 
will make all arrangements for the journey while 
you are sleeping.” 

I kissed her most affectionately that night when 
I was so soon to be parted from her, and fervently 
wished I had shown her earlier in life all the love 
which was in my heart. It is only when a boy is 
about to leave home with the chances he may 
never return, that he fully realizes how dear to 
him is his mother ! 

Perhaps I am making too many words in tell- 
ing the story of how Zenas and I cast our fortunes 
with the colonists ; but yet it seems to me that 
the reader should have some insight into my 
heart in order to understand my sensations 
when dangers crowded thick and fast upon 
us. 

Despite the change which was to come so soon, 
we fell asleep immediately after lying down, and 
neither of us was conscious of anything more 


MYSELF. 19 

until my father called us just before the break of 
day. 

Then all the preparations had been made. Our 
boat, a fourteen-foot shallop, carrying two pairs 
of oars and a small sail, was provisioned for a 
week’s journey, and our muskets, with a reason- 
able amount of powder and balls, were near the 
door in prime condition, Moses having spent the 
night cleaning them. 

You are to set off at once,” father said when 
we appeared. would have you gone before 
any of our neighbors are astir, and then there 
will he fewer questions to answer. Eat your 
breakfast, lads, and do not spend many seconds in 
leave-taking. Kememher, word is to he sent home 
at every safe opportunity, and when you write 
that it will be well for Moses and I join to you, we 
will set off without delay for New Brunswick, 
bringing your mother with us.” 

I tried to obey his commands ; but the food 
choked me, and I could swallow no more than 
two or three mouthfuls when a big lump in my 
throat overpowered me. Eising quickly from the 
table I kissed my mother, and saw that she was 
bravely trying to keep back the tears from her 
eyes. 

Father literally pushed me out of doors lest I 


20 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


should grow faint-hearted before the journey was 
begun, and I went alone to the shore, where I was 
shortly joined by Zenas, who kept his face averted 
as if fearing I might read there the grief which 
assailed him as it did me. 

Moses and my father remained in the doorway 
until we had pushed off from the little wharf where 
were moored all the shallops owned by the people 
of the town, and then they turned suddenly away, 
causing it to seem to me just then as if we had 
been suddenly deserted by those who should have 
stood by us till the last. 

Twice I attempted to speak to Zenas ; but words 
choked me, and I was forced to remain silent or 
show him that I was nigh to bursting with sup- 
pressed tears. 

He made a braver effort than was possible for 
me, and said in what he most likely counted should 
be a tone of careless gaiety : 

It appears, Amos, as if were left to our own 
devices, and unless we keep a stiff upper lip there 
are many chances that betwixt Britisher, Tory 
and Whig, we may come to grief.” 

‘‘If we do it will be no fault of ours, Zenas,” 
I replied, but not without an effort. 

Each of us knew full well how much of sorrow 
there was in the heart of the other, yet we did 



Moses and my Father remained in the doorway until we had pushed off from 
the little wharf.-Page 20. Amos Dunkel. 




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MYSELF. 21 

not dare touch upon that subject by so much as 
a hint. 

At all events,” he said after a short pause, 
during which we had settled ourselves to the 
oars, ‘ ‘ we have got well away from town without 
any of our neighbors being the wiser for the move. 
It only remains now to fool the Britishers, 
for there’s little fear from Tories while we’re 
afloat.” 

He had no more than spoken before we were 
startled by a hail from the shore, and, looking 
around quickly and not without fear, I saw that 
lad above all others whom I would have been 
best pleased to avoid. 

It was Simon Hunt, one of the hottest Tories in 
Flushing, and a boy whom I would not have 
trusted with the lightest secret. Because we Dun- 
kels had sworn fealty to the king, thereby showing 
ourselves of the same color as himself and his 
vagabond father, the lad took advantage of 
every opportunity to make it appear that we 
were close friends, when, as a matter of fact, I 
would not have wiped my old shoes upon him. 
He was utterly without principle ; hesitated at no 
dastardly deed if thereby he could injure a Whig, 
and seemed to believe that by great activity in 
denouncing those who were not of the same way 


22 AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

of thinking, he was making for himself a famous 
name. 

Zenas muttered something which I did not 
understand, and left me to salute the lad whom 
I had promised more than once to give a severe 
flogging because of his misdemeanors. 

“Where are you two bound?” Simon asked 
as if he had a right to question me. 

I shut my teeth hard before answering, in order 
that my anger and grievous disappointment he 
kept within bounds, and then said with an effort 
at carelessness : 

^^We count on trying our luck at Ashing. 
Joseph Nugent sold all his catch yesterday to fche 
dragoons at Jamaica, and we hope for the same 
good luck.” 

Pull in and take me aboard. I don’t mind 
spending a day on the water if by so doing a few 
shillings may he earned.” 

We haven’t brought food enough for three, 
and you’ll he forced to go without your dinner,” 
I said warningly, making a feint to pull the 
shallop around. 

Among his other faults, Simon was a regular 
glutton, and under ordinary circumstances the 
thought of suffering from hunger would have 
been enough to prevent him even from, denounc- 


MYSELF. 


23 


ing a Whig ; but on this, morning it was much as 
if the cur had a suspicion of our purpose, for he 
replied in a friendly tone : 

‘‘I reckon you two have got enough to satisfy 
me, if it’s divided fairly, so pull in this way and 
we’ll have a jolly day of it.” 

The bow of the shallop was already swinging 
shoreward under the impetus of my stroke, and 
I was at a loss to understand how we might 
refuse without making, perhaps, a dangerous 
enemy ; but Zenas, quicker of wit than I, and 
knowing that we must part company with the 
fellow at once, said sharply as he pulled the light 
craft seaward : 

You may be willing to go on short allow- 
ance, Simon ; but I’m not of the same mind. 
Amos and I count on doing a full day’s work, 
when an empty stomach won’t be comfortable. 
You shall go with us to-morrow, for we’ll keep 
at the work so long as fish can be swapped for 
silver.” 

When the shallop swung around Simon could 
see, because of standing on the bank, which was 
several feet higher than the level of the water, 
our stock of provisions and clothing in the stern- 
sheets, and this was sufficient to prove that we 
had not told the truth in regard to our purpose. 


24 : 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


‘‘ Look here ! ” he cried sharply, as if it was his 
right to dictate, where are you two bound ? ” 
There was no longer any sense in trying to 
mince matters, and, besides, my temper had got 
the best of me, therefore I replied defiantly : 

‘‘It is no affair of yours where we are going. 
It’s enough that we don’t choose to have you as 
a passenger ! ” 

“ Perhaps you may get more of me than you’ll 
like ! ” he cried in a rage. “You can’t shut my 
eyes when there’s treasonable doings on hand. 
I saw your father coming out of Nathan Pratt’s 
house last evening, and that’s enough to show 
there’s mischief afoot ! Why did he visit that 
miserable Whig ? ” 

“That’s a question you can ask him, and per- 
haps he’ll be willing to answer, though I much 
misdoubt it,” Zenas said hotly, for by this time 
his temper had risen quite as high as mine. 
“ Haven’t the Dunkels taken the oath ? ” 

“Yes, but do they mean to keep it? ’’Simon 
screamed. ‘ ‘ If you don’t take me aboard that 
boat I’ll lodge information against your whole 
family before the sun sets to-night ! ” 

This threat alarmed me, for I knew only too 
well that in such times any information lodged 
against a man was the same as opening the 


MYSELF, 


25 


prison doors to him, and I let the oars fall, where- 
upon Zenas whispered : 

‘‘Don’t play the fool now when you need to 
have your wits about you ! If we take him on 
board he’ll see enough to prove that we’ve turned 
Whigs, and he can do less harm now than if we 
betray everything ! Pull your best, and give no 
heed to his threats ! ” 

“ What are you two traitors whispering 
about ? Simon screamed. “ Put in shore or I’ll 
have the dragoons after you before you’re an 
hour older ! ” 

“ If the dragoons can catch a boat I’d like to 
see the sport,” Zenas said with a laugh, and at 
the same instant both of us laid down to the 
oars with such will that our craft was an hundred 
feet distant before Simon fully understood that 
we were really leaving him. 

The cur ran along the shore shouting threats 
and foul words at the full strength of his lungs, 
hoping most like to rouse the village ; but we 
continued at our work, and before five minutes 
had passed were beyond earshot. 

“A fine mess we’ve made of it ! ” Zenas 
finally said after we had rowed in silence for 
some time, and could no longer see the wharf 
we had just left. “ It’s certain that Simon 


26 AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

Hunt will lodge information as he threatens, 
and we know how slight a word is needed in 
these times to deprive a man of liberty.” 

‘‘We should have taken him with us,” I 
replied moodilj^ 

“To what end? Once he had a full view of 
all we’ve got on board, the secret would be his.” 

“I would have made certain he was notable 
to use it until the remainder of our family had 
gotten clear of Flushing.” 

“And do you think we might be able to make 
our way past the British ships with a prisoner on 
board ? ” 

“Why not?” 

“ Because he could not be hidden here, and 
even though he was gagged, the sight of a lad 
unable to move — for of a surety it would be nec- 
essary to bind the cur — must necessarily reveal 
more of the story than we could afford to have 
known.” 

I understood even while I argued, that it 
would have been impossible to carry Simon Hunt 
away with us as a prisoner, and yet I held to the 
idea like a peevish child, so great was my terror 
lest those we loved should come to harm through 
our encounter with the rabid Tory. 

“Think of the danger to which he can expose 


MYSELF. 


27 


our parents ! ” I cried in an agony of apprehen- 
sion. ‘‘ It is our duty to go back and warn them 
of that which threatens.” 

Listen closely to me, Amos, and make cer- 
tain you understand well all my meaning, for if 
it so be you hold to the idea of turning back, 
after I shall have spoken my mind, we will put 
the shallop about in a twinkling. Therefore 
take heed against mistaking my words.” 

Zenas ceased rowing as he spoke, and turned 
to look at me. His face was ghastly pale, his 
lips twitching convulsively, proof of the excite- 
ment under which he was laboring, and these 
evidences of fear in a lad who had never before 
shown such signs, whatever the situation, moved 
me powerfully. 

‘^If we put back to Flushing now it will be 
seen that all which Simon Hunt charges against 
us is true,” he continued, speaking slowly as if 
weighing well each word. By this time the 
vicious Tory has aroused at least half a dozen of 
the townspeople, particularly those of his own 
stripe, and once we land the shallop will be over- 
hauled whether it be our pleasure or no. Lads 
do not go out fishing for a single day with pro- 
visions sufficient for a week’s rations. Neither 
do they set off on any ordinary journey with 


28 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


such a supply of ammunition as we have on 
board. It is true Simon will lodge information 
against our parents and our brother; but shall 
we be able to prevent it by returning to furnish 
the cur with the proof he needs ? It appears to 
me that the moment has come when we cannot 
give aid to those we love, and would only be 
doing them an injury by going back. We must 
remain among the Whigs now, whatever may 
be our inclinations, and father and Moses will be 
forced to fight their own battles.” 

I admit that what you say is true,” I replied, 
when Zenas had ceased speaking. ‘‘You have 
convinced me it is better for all concerned that 
we push on, and yet I ask you if it be not a 
cowardly act to thus forsake in the time of their 
extreme danger those of our own blood ? ” 

“So it would appear to him who knew not all 
the circumstances ; but I repeat, that by going 
back we would be exposing them to yet more 
danger.” 

“We might at least warn them of what is like 
to happen ? ” 

“By this time Simon Hunt has bawled his dis- 
covery throughout the village, and father knows 
as well as do we what danger threatens. All 
this is my way of looking at the situation ; 


MYSELF, 


29 


but if you are yet of the opinion that it would be 
better to go back, I will never say a word against 
it, whatever may be the result.” 

I was convinced that Zenas’ plan was the 
only one we could pursue, in view of all that had 
happened, and without further parley I gave in 
to him, saying as I did so : 

We will hold to the course set last night ; but 
it makes my heart ache to leave those who are 
in danger.” 

^^As it does mine, Amos; yet there must be 
many heart-aches before this war has come to 
an end, and our grief is no greater than that of 
thousands in these unhappy colonies which had 
better have paid a dozen unjust taxes than 
drench the land with blood.” 

Having said this my brother faced about once 
more, and we bent to our oars again ; but while 
I thus toiled there was ever in my mind the 
thought that if we had set off without prepara- 
tion such as betrayed our purpose, it would have 
been far wiser, for what availed it if we were 
saved this or that discomfort when by enduring 
them we could have averted suspicion ? ” 

After a time my grief was partially diverted 
as I weighed our chances of gaining New Bruns- 
wick. On the previous night, when we were 


30 AMOS DUNKEL, OAKSMAN. 

excited with the thought of having thus radically 
changed our political views, I gave comparatively 
little heed to that which might be in our path. 

Father had declared that we would not be 
justified in attempting to make a complete circuit 
of the island in order to avoid passing New York 
City, for if we were overhauled by one of the 
king’s vessels while we were on the ocean, it 
would be impossible to give to our voyage such 
complexion as would prove us innocent of any 
designs against the Britishers. On the other 
hand, there were an hundred chances that we 
could slip past the dangerous points by lying up in 
the day, and moving only during the night once 
we were come near Brooklyn. 

We were well acquainted with all the creeks 
and bays on the coast, and knew many a hiding- 
place which would serve our purpose ; but even 
then the danger was great, and I questioned 
again and again, without giving words to the 
thoughts lest I should dispirit Zenas, whether we 
were not nearer a British prison than was either 
father or Moses. 

In fact, I was utterly cast down at the begin- 
ning of the perilous journey, and in such a frame 
of mind one cannot do his best when the time 
for action comes. 



MYSELF. 


31 


I regretted most sincerely that we had not re- 
mained true to the oath of fealty, for it seemed 
certain the king would triumph in the end, and 
by living quietly at home, having but little in- 
tercourse with our neighbors, it might have been 
possible for us to weather the storm in safety. 

However, it was useless to cry over spilled 
milk, as I soon began to realize, and I set my 
teeth hard, resolving that, come what might, I 
would say no more against the course we had 
decided upon. 


32 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


CHAPTER II. 

CAPTAIN HYLER. 

It was well for Zenas and I that we had ample 
occupation of body, otherwise we might, had it 
indeed been possible, have dwelt at greater length 
upon the trouble which threatened our loved 
ones. 

We had fully committed ourselves to the 
venture, and knew that between us and Captain 
Hyler’s quarters stretched many a long mile to 
be traversed, with possible dangers to be encoun- 
tered at every rod of the journey. 

It had been planned during our last evening at 
home that we should attempt to pass New York 
in the guise of fishermen returning to Staten 
Island, and, in event of being hailed by the enemy, 
we would heave to without delay, unless it so 
happened that the chances were greatly in favor 
of our escaping with whole skins. In other words, 
we proposed to obey when there might be danger 
in refusing, and to press forward at our best 
speed whenever the course was clear. 


CAPTAIN HYLER. 


33 


Had we not changed our politics so suddenly, 
we might have succeeded in getting a British pass 
to visit New York, when the peril would have 
been considered lessened ; but since there had not 
been time in which to do anything of the kind, 
it was better to banish from our minds the 
expedients which had been neglected. 

Until nearly noon we pulled at the oars, and 
then a light breeze sprang up greatly to our 
relief, and under its influence the shallop glided 
over the water at a fairly good rate of speed. 

We had seen two small vessels, both fishermen ; 
but gave them such a wide berth that they could 
not hail us. 

Not until late in the afternoon did we arrive at 
that dangerous bit of water known as Hell Gate, 
and from this time on, until we had passed New 
Utrecht, there were perils on every hand. 

When we had pulled the shallop over the rapids 
and were on the placid bosom of the river, Zenas 
suggested that we haul up on the shore for rest 
and sleep. 

‘‘The boat can be concealed almost anywhere 
hereabout, and after a short time of repose we 
will be in better condition for the struggle before 
us.” 

I agreed to his proposition with the understand- 
3 


34 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


ing that we should get under way again at mid- 
night, and, half an hour later, we were stretched 
at full length amid the hushes on shore while the 
shallop lay afloat hidden by the overhanging 
branches. 

After partaking of a hearty meal washed down 
by home-brewed beer, I would have spoken con- 
cerning the possible fate of those we had left 
behind, but Zenas sternly forbade anything of the 
kind. 

Our own safety will require every effort, and 
it would be little less than a crime to dishearten 
each other when at any moment we may And our- 
selves confronted by the enemy,” he said sharply, 
not because of anger ; but in order to conceal his 
nervous fears. ‘ ‘ Pu t all such thoughts from your 
mind so far as possible, and rest.” 

With that he turned over as if to sleep, and I 
closed my eyes in the effort to follow his example ; 
but not until a full half the time allotted to the 
halt had expired, did slumber come to my relief. 
Try as I might, it was impossible to shut out 
from mind those who, as it then seemed to me, 
lay at the mercy of Simon Hunt. I went over 
and over again the details of our meeting with 
the cur, and pictured to myself his hastening 
away to lodge information against us. In fancy 


CAPTAIN HYLER. 


35 


I saw a detachment of dragoons riding into the 
town at full speed ; pulling up in front of our 
home ; dragging my parents and Moses away, 
and then I saw the vile prison in which they were 
lodged at the mercy of a merciless jailer. 

Sleep did come, however, and it seemed as if I 
had no more than lost consciousness when Zenas 
aroused me as he whispered : 

‘ ‘ It must be well on to midnight ; the stars are 
hidden by clouds, and we could have no more 
favorable time in which to pass the city.” 

I was on my feet in an instant, and before 
thirty seconds elapsed we were pulling straight 
down towards where lay the British vessels, on 
each and every one of which it was reasonable to 
suppose strict watch was kept for just such fugi- 
tives as we had become. 

If in thus trying to introduce my brother and 
myself I have made no mention of what had just 
taken place nearabout, it is because every person 
must know that the battle of Long Island had 
been fought not many days before, and New York 
was hut lately occupied by the king’s forces. I 
only mention these facts at this point in order 
that it may he understood why Zenas and I were 
in a certain degree ignorant as to the position of 
the Britishers. We had been often in the city 


36 AMOS DUNKEL, OAESMAN. 

while the Continentals held it ; but since the 
battle there was so much of disturbance near- 
about our home that we thought it prudent to 
remain out of sight, even though calling our- 
selves loyal subjects of the king. 

We rowed out into the darkness, fearing each 
moment lest we should run upon one of the war 
ships, and wholly ignorant as to which side the 
river might be safest for us. 

As we approached the docks it was possible to 
see here and there the riding lights of the British 
fleet, and my heart was in my throat from the 
time we started until we were past the huge 
vessels whereon were those who would give us 
a most urgent invitation to stop in prison for a 
while if they but knew our errand. 

Never a word did we speak during the perilous 
passage. When we were within a quarter of a 
mile of that craft which I afterward came to 
know was the prison-ship Jersey, I signaled to 
Zenas that he should steer and I row, for while 
both were at the oars we could not shape the 
proper course, and he at once acted upon my mute 
suggestion. 

With all the skill at my command I plied the 
oars, and Zenas was no less cautious at his task. 
He steered the shallop here and there among the 


CAPTAIN HYLER. 


37 


fleet as if it had been broad day instead of the 
darkest night I ever saw, and to my great relief 
and surprise we entered the narrows without 
having been so much as hailed. 

Twice we were nigh to coming full upon the 
river patrol ; but Zenas, motioning me to stop 
rowing, put the shallop well within the darker 
shadows of the shore, or close under the stern of 
a ship, and we escaped the dau ger in flne style. 

Once we were in the narrows Zenas took his 
place on the forward thwart, and an hour later 
we were well passed the more serious dangers of 
the Staten Island shore. 

From this time on it would be a question of 
work rather than peril, and I drew a long breath 
of relief at the same time that I said a mental 
prayer for the safety of those whom we had left 
behind. 

Concerning the remainder of our journey it is 
not necessary I should set down many words. 
We went into cover on the lower end of Staten 
Island at sunrise, and remained there until eve- 
ning, when the work with the oars was taken up 
once more, and thus we continued on, skulking 
under cover the greater portion of the daylight 
hours only to work like beavers after dark. 

We were four days and nights making the 


38 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


journey, and during all that time we had not 
spoken to a human being until after gaining the 
Earitan Eiver, when we deemed it safe to hold 
converse with several fishermen we met. 

Arrived at New Brunswick we were in a strange 
country, and had no more idea of where to look 
for those to whom we had letters of introduction 
than if we had never heard of the place. 

It was Zenas who took charge of affairs once 
the voyage came to an end ; he hauled the shallop 
alongside a small schooner made fast to a dock, 
the crew of which promised to look after our be- 
longings lest they should be stolen, and then we 
set out. 

The search was not a long one ; the first person 
we met was well acquainted with Captain Adam 
Hyler, and directed us a short distance up the 
river where his fleet of whale-boats had been 
hauled on the bank. 

Two hours later the captain himself came along 
bent on some business with a dozen young men 
who were loitering about as if having nothing 
on hand of more consequence than passing the 
time indolently, and immediately on opening 
the letter Zenas offered, he treated us with the 
greatest consideration. 

Master Pratt is a good friend of mine, and 


CAPTAIN HYLER. 


39 


since he bespeaks my favor for you two lads, say 
what I can do ? ” 

‘‘We have come to enlist in your service, sir,” 
Zenas said, coming to the gist of our business 
without parley. 

“In other words, you are ready to serve the 
Colonies ? ” the captain added in the tone of one 
who asks a question. 

In reply Zenas told him all our story, from the 
day we took the oath of allegiance to the king 
until the present, and Captain Hyler listened as 
courteously as if we had been particular friends. 

“ There’ll soon be more than you who’ll come 
over to us from the king,” he said with a smile. 
“ The Britishers have begun to show how they 
count on bringing us to submission, and there 
are few who will stand such a lesson. I can’t 
promise anything in the way of wages, if you 
serve with me. Not that I’m saying we never 
have a few shillings to jingle in our pockets ; but 
all our money comes from the enemy, and it is 
share and share alike when gold or silver falls 
into our keeping. Because of owning the boats 
and being skipper, I take one quarter part of all 
we earn or seize from the Tories ; the remainder 
is distributed fairly among the crew.” 

“We didn’t count on getting more than our 


40 AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

food, sir,’’ I made bold to say, whereupon the 
captain laughed heartily. 

Then you’ll be more than satisfied with what 
can be picked up in what we call ^ London Trad- 
ing,’ for my lads are not without something in 
their pockets the greater portion of the time, 
unless it so chances that the Britishers get us 
shut up in a hole, much as we are while the men- 
of-war remain in the lower bay.” 

There are no ships below the narrows now, 
sir, as we well know,” I made haste to say, and 
the captain laughed again, a trick he had as we 
afterward came to understand. He laughed 
when he was very angry, well pleased, or per- 
plexed, and yet under any phase it was much as 
if he enjoyed such semblance of mirth. 

I had just heard that the bulk of the fleet 
were off the city, but counted on making more 
certain before venturing out. Now you have 
saved me the trouble of sending out a boat, and 
we’ll leave the river to-night.” 

He turned to go as if the interview was at an 
end, but Zenas stopped him by asking : 

Are we to consider ourselves members of your 
crew, sir?” 

‘‘ Of a verity you are, lads, and right glad am 
I to have those who can give me word of Long 


CAPTAIN HYLER. 


41 


Island matters, for I count on going there before 
many days have passed. Come with me, and 
I’ll make you known to the lads who call me 
‘ captain.’ ” 

But for being such a poor hand with a pen, 
and fearing lest this small yarn be drawn out at 
too great a length, I would set down here a de- 
scription of Captain Hyler’s ‘‘lads” who seemed 
particularly worthy of attention, and there were 
many. But, fearing lest that which was of great 
interest to me, might not be viewed in the same 
light by strangers, I will pass them by with a 
single word. 

Grouped around the captain, listening intently 
to each word he spoke, one would have set them 
down for a throng of country bumpkins, appren- 
tices or, in fact, anything rather than what they 
really were, as daring and courageous a body of 
young men as could be found in this or any other 
country. They were ready for any venture which 
might be proposed by their commander, and 
as Zenas and I came to know later, never stopped 
to ask whether the danger was likely to be great 
or little, if gold or only hard knocks would likely 
be their reward. 

Take them all in all, I have never seen a finer 
or more spirited company of lads than these as I 


42 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


met them that morning in October when Captain 
Hyler announced that at last the fleet would put 
to sea. You heard no boasting, no braggadocia 
or oaths ; they were honest citizens striving to 
do their part in righting the wrongs of their 
countrymen, and offered great contrast to such 
Tories as Simon Hunt. 

‘‘ Here are two mates, Zenas and Amos Dun- 
kel,’’ Captain Hyler said as he led us toward the 
company. ‘‘You know full well that we of this 
fleet do not take up every young fellow who 
wants to serve in our ranks ; hut have agreed to 
be choice in the picking of our crew. I promise 
that these boys, who have made their way from 
Flushing with such skill as not to fall afoul of 
a Britisher, are fit to serve with us, and this 
I do because they come with a strong letter 
from a friend in whom I have every confidence. 
Make them welcome, for they’ve left behind 
a father and a brother against whom informa- 
tion is likely to be lodged with the Britishers, 
and, consequently,- are feeling a bit sore at 
heart.” 

The captain had no sooner spoken than the 
brave lads gathered around us, each striving to 
outdo the other in extending a friendly greeting, 
and at once Zenas and I felt that security which 


CAPTAIN HYLER. 


43 


comes from being in the company of warm 
friends. 

When the ceremony of welcoming us was come 
to an end, Captain Hyler gathered his crew around 
him and spoke as follows : 

These lads who have just joined us are like 
to be of great service, for the very good reason 
that we must shift our cruising ground now the 
British have settled down to hold New York. 
While the harbor is filled with men-of-war we 
run too great risks in making a rendezvous on 
this river. I propose to try our fortunes on the 
other side of the city, sailing entirely around Long 
Island, and establishing quarters near by Oyster 
or Cow Bay, and then it is that Zenas and Amos 
Dunkel can serve as guides, therefore have they 
come in good time for us. The opportunities 
for work will be better there than here. We 
shall be handy to New York and the Connecticut 
shore, and if we do not succeed in making our 
names known to the Tories before next spring, it 
will be because all hands have rusted out with 
idleness.” 

There was no noisy enthusiasm when the cap- 
tain ceased speaking, but it could readily be seen 
that the young men were pleased with the pro- 
posed change, and after they had quietly discussed 


44 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


the matter a few moments, the captain held at 
arm’s length a paper which I had observed him 
take from the letter entrusted Zenas and I by 
Master Pratt. 

‘‘Here is a venture ready at hand as soon as 
we shall arrive on our new cruising grounds,” he 
said with a laugh, “ and if this bold officer has 
in his possession the cash he agrees to pay for 
recruits, we will be doing a good stroke of work 
at the same time we strike a blow for those brave 
gentlemen who were so lately forced to leave 
New York to the mercy of the king’s bullies.” 

Then he read the following notice, which I set 
down here exactly as it was printed : 

Lieutenant Colonel Emerick wishes to raise six companies 
of foot, to consist of 360 men ; and two troops of light drag- 
oons, to consist of 100, who will immediately receive their 
bounty, before attested ; pay, clothing and provisions regu- 
lar, agreeable to King’s allowance, without clipping or de- 
duction. Refugees paid the price of their horses. His 
soldiers live like gentlemen, and he treats all who behave 
well as brothers. Apply to Lieut. Col. Emerick, at Oyster 
Bay, who gives $5 over and above the King’s bounty. 

“ God save the King.” 

“This is a piece of rare good luck for us,” 
Zenas whispered to me while the company were 
eagerly discussing the work proposed by their 
leader. “ Unless Simon Hunt gets to work very 
quickly, we ma}^ be nearabout home with men 


CAPTAIN HYLER. 


45 


enough to care for our parents. As for Moses, 
he will, of course, ship with us at the first oppor- 
tunity.” 

I did not reply by words ; but gripped his hand 
hard in token of my great joy that we were to 
retrace our steps at once, and with such a fol- 
lowing that even a squad of the king’s soldiers 
might be prevented from doing a mischief. I 
had never dreamed that we would be able to 
serve so near home, and, therefore, my joy was 
exceedingly great. 

Captain Hyler interrupted my dreaming by 
asking concerning the coves and creeks near- 
about Oyster Bay, and Zenas made haste to 
assure him that we knew every foot of that 
shore as well as we did our own dooryard. 

Within two hours of our meeting the captain, 
all was bustle and apparent confusion in the 
vicinity of the fleet. The boats were being over- 
hauled, sails patched, and gear put into good 
condition. A certain number of lads were bring- 
ing provisions to the shore, while others made 
ready for departure the stores of ammunition, 
which were considerable. 

Zenas and I had but little opportunity to aid in 
the work, so busy were we kept answering ques- 
tions concerning that portion of Long Island 


46 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


which was to be the rendezvous of the fleet ; but 
we did our best at working while satisfying the 
curiosity of our companions. 

Captain Hyler decided that we should return 
in our own shallop, which craft would come in 
handy when we wished to make short excursions 
up the creeks, or in other shallow water. That 
we might have a crew of decent size, two lads — 
Elijah Cornwall and Reuben Jackson — were told 
off as our comrades. 

Father had outfitted us in such a generous 
manner that we had on board all the ammuni- 
tion which would be needed, and a goodly store 
of provisions yet remained, therefore our portion 
of the fleet was ready for sea without further 
preparation. 

Captain Hyler was here, there, and every- 
where during the time of making ready ; his odd 
laugh could be heard at frequent intervals as he 
moved around among the men, and before long 
I found myself listening for it with no slight 
amount of impatience, because it was in the 
highest degree soothing to a homesick lad like 
myself. 

The fleet, without taking into consideration our 
shallop, consisted of eight stout whale-boats from 
thirty to thirty-five feet long, each fitted for eight 


CAPTAIN HYLER. 


47 


oars, and carrying two small sails. On every 
one was a swivel mounted well up in the bow, 
and I said to myself that our captain must be a 
wealthy man if he could buy and outfit so many 
vessels ; but I afterward came to learn that he 
had been assisted by merchants of New Bruns- 
wick, who spent their money as a speculation 
whereby much might be gained, and little, save 
blood, which was inexpensive, could be lost. 

Twelve men were appointed to each boat, and, 
later, I observed that every craft was fully 
manned, therefore Zenas and I were going back 
members of a force amounting to an hundred, 
and it would be strange if we could not give some 
valuable lessons to such vicious Tories as Simon 
Hunt and his following. 

Although the British war vessels were in the 
upper bay, I had an idea that it might be danger- 
ous for the fleet to put out in a body, for, if sighted 
by the enemy, it was certain we would be chased ; 
but I soon came to learn that Captain Hyler was 
not a man who took unnecessary chances while 
engaged in the work of despoiling the Tories and 
Britishers. 

It was no more than three o’clock in the after- 
noon when the commander came up to us four 
who manned the shallop, and said curtly : 


48 


AMOS DTJNKEL, OARSMAN. 


It is time you were getting under way. One 
of the fleet will follow a mile or so behind, and 
the end of the night journey is to be Hog Island 
inlet. Do you know that harbor ? ” 

Yes, sir, we have been there more than once,” 
Zenas replied. 

‘‘Very well. Get under way, and lay off the 
inlet until the last of the fleet arrives, in order to 
act as pilots. In case you see any force of the 
enemy nearabout, no matter how small, put back 
till you have warned each boat in turn, and make 
harbor at Barren Island. I do not count on let- 
ting the Britishers know we have left the river 
until after arriving at our cruising ground. Do 
you understand the order ? ” 

“Yes, sir,” Zenas replied ; but I asked : 

What can be done in case, by some mis- 
fortune, we should fall into the hands of the 
enemy ? ” 

The crews of the other boats will have orders 
not to make the inlet until after having spoken 
with you. If your shallop is not to be seen, we 
shall conclude that some misfortune has befallen 
you, and put to sea or return here at once.” 

He ceased speaking, turning away as if there 
was nothing more to be said, and we four leaped 
aboard the shallop without delay, all hands realiz- 


CAPTAIN HYLER. 49 

ing that when an order has been given it cannot 
be obeyed any too quickly. 

I looked upon Zenas as the skipper of our craft, 
and the other two lads seemed to be of the same 
opinion ; but neither my brother nor myself were 
disposed to assume the responsibility of running 
down the river according to our own judgment 
while we had on board those who were so well 
acquainted with the water. 

Therefore it was Zenas proposed that Elijah 
Cornwall take charge until we were in the bay, 
where a straight course could be steered for Sandy 
Point, and to this the lad agreed. 

There was but little wind, and we set off pro- 
pelled by oars only, with the understanding that 
each couple should pull half an hour at a trick 
until it might be possible to make better speed 
under canvas. 

4 


50 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


CHAPTEE III. 

A PRIZE. 

With a crew of four, pulling the shallop was 
no more than child’s play, and our light craft was 
sent ahead at such speed as told that we had little 
to fear in the way of pursuit while the breeze was 
light. 

We had agreed that each man of the couple on 
duty should work a pair of oars, and by such ar- 
rangement the shallop walked away in fine style. 
If it so chanced that we were pursued, each of us 
could take an oar, and then I felt certain we might 
fairly lift the craft out of water. 

Of a verity we had been given the post of honor, 
counting it from the standpoint of danger, for 
if the enemy had been warned that Captain 
Hyler’s fleet could come out of the river on this 
day, we of the shallop would be the first cap- 
tured. 

It was some such idea as this which I have just 
set down that Eeuben Jackson gave words to 
half an hour after we had started, and I was 


A PRIZE. 51 

proud when Zenas replied in a tone of satisfac- 
tion : 

‘‘ Then are Amos and myself so much the more 
fortunate. We did not count on remaining be- 
hind others when danger threatened, and should 
be grateful to the captain for putting so much 
dependence upon us.” 

By the time you have had three or four scrim- 
mages I reckon you’ll be willing to give up the 
post of honor to any who may be longing for it,” 
Elijah said grimly, and I asked myself if it might 
not be possible that we had in him a timorous 
comrade. 

Whether such suspicion was correct or no, he 
was a good boatman, as could be seen with half 
an eye, and unless we came across a very large 
force Zenas and I would be able to hold him up 
to his work, so I said to myself, thus proving 
that I knew very little regarding the services 
which were expected of us. 

Ni^ht had come when we pulled out into the 
bay, and because there was no craft in sight we 
flattered ourselves that the run across to Hog 
Island inlet would be nothing more than a matter 
of so much labor at the oars. 

Half an hour later we had good cause for a 
change of opinion, for then it was that we sighted 


52 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


in the gloom ahead a small sloop which was 
standing on and off as if waiting for some one, 
or acting as guard-ship. 

That must be either a British or a Tory craft,” 
Elijah whispered, and I fancied that his voice 
trembled. 

Why might it not he sent on the same errand 
as ourselves ? ” Zenas asked, rising to his feet in 
order to bring the stranger the better into view. 

Because none of our friends would cruise here 
where nothing is to be gained. Those who call 
themselves traders know full well that no pick- 
ings will be found so near the British fleet. Why 
don’t you sit down ? ” 

‘‘Why not stand?” Zenas asked innocently, 
without changing position. “I want a good 
look at the sloop.” 

“You are like to see more of her than is safe,” 
Elijah replied, petulantly, pulling Zenas back on 
the thwart. By holding yourself erect you are 
giving those on deck a better chance to see us. 
Besides, it behooves us to put back at once.” 

“Why? Simply because of seeing a small 
craft like that standing off and on ? ” 

“Captain Hyler’s orders were that we put 
back to warn the other boats in case we saw the 
enemy in any force.” 


A PRIZE. 


53 


As I understood him, that order referred to 
whatsoever we might discover nearabout Hog 
Island,” Zenas said quietly, rising once more to 
his feet. It was to be expected that we would 
sight the enemy in this vicinity, and there is no 
certainty we have done even so much as that, 
thus far.” 

‘‘We will put back,” Elijah said sharply, swing- 
ing the steering oar hard down, and thus bring- 
ing the shallop’s bow around in a twinkling. 

I knew full well that Zenas would not tamely 
submit to such interference, even though Elijah 
Cornwall had served in the fleet for some time, 
while we were only newcomers, and, therefore, 
was expecting that which followed. 

Zenas made one bound into the stern-sheets, 
tore the oar from Elijah’s hand, and said to me 
in the tone of one who will not brook inter- 
ference : 

“ Take the forward oars, Amos, and pull till 
we are near enough to make out yonder sloop 
distinctly ! ” 

“ There cannot be two captains on one craft as 
small as this ! ” Elijah cried angrily, 

“You are right, mate ; there is but one.” 

“You yourself proposed that I should take 
charge.” 


54 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


‘‘Only until we were out of the river, Master 
Cornwall. You have piloted us into the bay, and 
now I claim the right to direct matters. In case 
you are afraid, we’ll set you ashore presently.” 

Any one who had known Zenas well, would 
not have attempted an argument after he spoke 
in such a tone ; hut Elijah presumed upon his 
experience, and said pertly : 

“You will have more sense after serving a few 
days under Captain Hyler. At present you have 
no idea as to what should be done in a case like 
this.” 

“ I know full well what will be done. Master 
Cornwall, and if it does not meet with the ap- 
probation of our commander, I, not you, will 
be called upon for explanations. Amos and I 
have been charged with the task of scouting in 
advance of the fleet, and we have no idea of run- 
ning away the moment we sight the first sail. 
We are getting too near the stranger to permit of 
any very extended conversation ; therefore you 
may hold your peace until I have done that which 
seems to me proper under all the circumstances.” 

It pleased me to hear Zenas thus assert the 
authority which had been given him and myself 
by Captain Hyler, although I must confess that 
at the time I would have been better pleased to 


A PRIZE. 


55 


send the shallop back over her course. I was not 
eager to have a scrimmage on our hands just then, 
lest, by getting the worst of it, we show our com- 
mander that we lads from Flushing were not to be 
depended on in the matter of discretion. 

During the conversation between Zenas and 
Elijah, Eeuben Jackson had not so much as opened 
his mouth, and I tried in vain to make out, by 
peering into his face now and then, which captain 
he would recognize. 

The lad hung in the wind until his comrade 
began to sulk in silence, and then he took up the 
second pair of oars to aid me. 

I had been pulling vigorously during the 
squabble, and, now that the sloop’s bow was 
turned toward us, we approached the stranger 
more rapidly than was really pleasing to a timor- 
ous lad. 

Zenas stood in the stern-sheets, the steering oar 
in one hand, and his eyes fixed on the approach- 
ing vessel. He wore an air of expectancy, as if 
he had recognized a friend, and I took it upon 
myself to whisper warningly : 

See to it you don’t get so near that we can’t 
crawl out of the way in case yonder sloop means 
mischief ! ” 

Are all three of you cowards?” Zenas asked 


56 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


scornfully, and, stung to the quick by the tone as 
well as the words, I replied curtly : 

‘‘The position of captain doesn’t give one the 
right to insult others who show every disposition 
to obey orders.” 

“ Forgive me, Amos ! ” he said quickly, and in 
a tone of deep concern. “ I had no intent to hurt 
your feelings, knowing as I do that you will be 
close at my back whatever may come. My speech 
was hasty because of the fear that now, when we 
may prove ourselves of value in Captain Hyler’s 
fleet, there is even so much as a question pf what 
ought to be done. Look around, lad, and say 
if you have seen that sloop’s bow before this 
night ? ” 

I did as he commanded, and after one glance, 
an exclamation of surprise burst from my 
lips. 

“ I reckon you knew her, eh ? ” 

“If we were nearahout Flushing I’d say she 
was the Princess,” I replied, looking more closely 
without changing my opinion. 

“That is what has' been in my mind these flve 
minutes. We left her at the dock on the morn- 
ing of setting off from home. Get out the mus- 
kets, for we may need them in a hurry ! ” 

“ Surely you don’t count on ” 


A PRIZE. 57 

Before I could finish the sentence we were hailed 
from the sloop, and to my astonishment I recog- 
nized the voice as that of Simon Hunt’s. 

Boat ahoy ! ” the cur of a Tory cried in a tone 
of command. 

Ahoy on the sloop ! ” Zenas replied, speaking 
hoarsely in order to disguise his voice. 

Where are you from 

New Brunswick.” 

. Elijah half started to his feet as Zenas thus told 
the truth which was much the same as if he had 
acknowledged that we were Whigs. 

‘‘ Where are you bound ? ” 

‘^Out for a look around, that’s all.” 

Come alongside and give a better account of 
yourself.” 

‘‘Aye, aye, sir !” and Zenas spoke as if nothing 
would give him greater pleasure than to pay a 
visit to the sloop. 

Now we knew that the vessel before us was the 
Princess, and it did not require any great amount 
of guessing to decide that Simon Hunt had set out 
in pursuit of us. 

The sloop was hove to, and while Zenas steered 
the shallop straight toward her he reached over 
and seized his musket, saying as he did so : 

“We’ll take these ’ere fish with us, lads, an’ 


58 


AMOS DUNKEL, OAESMAN. 


perhaps the gentlemen will be inclined to buy 
some of ’em.” 

We were now so near alongside the sloop that 
it was possible to make out the forms of four men 
— three standing well forward, and one at the 
wheel. Of course there might be more on board 
who were kept in hiding in order to deceive us ; 
but I believed that every member of the crew was 
on deck, and could have come nigh to calling 
each by name. 

It was easy to understand that Zenas counted 
on making a prize of the Princess, and to my 
mind there was nothing to prevent, save the 
cowardice or ill-temper of Elijah Cornwall. If 
we worked in concert, following the lead of Zenas, 
I was confident the capture could be made, and 
we would thus clear the bay of one craft which 
might dispute the passage of the whale-boats, or, 
at the least, give the alarm in New York that the 
fieet had left the river. 

‘‘We know the crew of that sloop,” I whispered 
to Keuben, “ and if you fellows follow Zenas’ lead, 
she’ll be in our possession ten minutes from now. ” 

“ I’m ready to do my share,” Keuben replied 
quietly. 

“Cease rowing, and speak with Elijah. Zenas 
counts on all hands going over the rail at the 


A PRIZE. 


59 


same instant, and there must be no hanging 
back.” 

It was as if at that moment I could read my 
brother’s thoughts, and I observed that he nodded 
his head approvingly as he saw Eeuben crawling 
aft toward his comrade. 

We were now less than fifty yards distant from 
the Princess, and her crew was standing amid- 
ships, empty-handed so far as I could make out. 
Zenas was half crouching at the steering-oar in 
order that he might keep a hold upon the butt of 
his musket without such fact being noted by the 
enemy. My weapon lay across my knees, and 
Eeuben held his by the muzzle as he whispered in 
Elijah’s ear- 

The success of the suddenly devised plan rested 
entirely with this fellow in the stern-sheets who 
had already shown that he was at heart cowardly, 
and I would have given much had I been able 
to tell him what he might expect from me in case 
he refused to obey the commands or the lead of 
Zenas. 

To us, as it then seemed, this meeting with the 
Princess was a rare bit of good luck, and her 
seizure meant far more than the taking of so 
much property from the enemy. We could thus 
prevent her from raising a hue and cry about our 


60 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


leaving home to join the rebels,” and at the 
same time capture a young villain whose every 
aim from this time on would be to do us an 
injury. 

To my great relief and delight I saw Cornwall 
finally raise his musket from the bottom of the 
boat, and understood by his movement that he was 
willing to do his share toward making a prize of 
the Princess. 

Simon was so hot after us that he could not wait 
until the shallop was alongside ; but cried out 
while we were yet half a dozen yards away : 

Have you seen anything of a small boat, some- 
thing the size of your own, with two lads in her ? ” 

‘‘Yours is the first craft we have sighted since 
leaving the river ; but it may be we saw such a 
boat yesterday. Why don’t you fend off there ? ” 
Zenas cried, as if angry because one of our party 
was not at the bow, and then leaped forward ap- 
parently in a rage to attend to our craft. 

I believed this was a signal for us. Giving one 
more vigorous pull at the oars, I shipped them, 
and, trailing my musket that it might be the 
more nearly hidden, ran forward at his heels. 

“ Make this fast, will you ?” he cried, throw- 
ing our painter over the rail with a spray of 
water following the wet rope, and thus blinding 



Speedy action was necessary now if we would accomplish our purpose. 
Page 61. Amos Dunkel. 



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A PRIZE. 61 

for the moment those of our townsmen who were 
searching for two Whigs who had lately been 
Tories. 

Speedy action was necessary now if we would 
accomplish our purpose, for Simon and his fol- 
lowers might recognize us at any moment, and 
such an event could not fail of bringing about 
instant preparations for our reception. 

Zenas was quick as a cat in his movements ; as 
he flung the wet painter toward Simon he made a 
leap for the sloop’s rail, and it is no exaggeration 
to say that I gained a foothold on the vessel’s 
deck at the same instant he did. 

It seemed to me that my brother sprang 
directly upon the Tory cur who had followed us, 
for the lad was down with Zenas kneeling on his 
breast, when I thrust the muzzle of my musket 
into the face of the fellow nearest. 

Elijah and Eeuben seconded our efforts nobly ; 
they were over the rail before the other members 
of the sloop’s crew were quite certain whether our 
movements were the result of awkwardness or 
intention, and thus our enemies were made pris- 
oners before my brother and I had been recognized. 

In after days I saw many neat maneuvers ; but 
never one that was carried off in better shape than 
this, our first experience at armed rebellion. 


62 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


Zenas had clutched Simon by the throat, the 
lad was so nearly strangled that before he re- 
covered his breath sufficiently to make any re- 
sistance, he was bound to the rail with half a 
dozen turns of the halliards around his neck and 
arms. 

Then my brother turned his attention to the 
other Tories, who were standing dazed and motion- 
less in front of the muskets leveled at their 
breasts, and in less than five minutes every 
mother’s son of them was as helpless as their 
bully of a leader. 

In addition to Simon, we had captured three 
Tory neighbors, young fellows who had professed 
allegiance to the king in order to have a cloak 
for foul deeds, rather than to uphold his maj- 
esty’s efforts in subduing rebellion. 

Micah Williams, Ben Seaman and Clem Parker 
were the fellows who made up the crew of the 
Princess, and either of them would have sent 
Zenas and I to the gallows for the sole pleasure of 
seeing us choked to death, if such a situation of 
affairs could have been brought about without 
very much danger to themselves. 

Simon literally foamed at the mouth when he 
saw how he had been outwitted, and during two 
or three minutes he poured out a torrent of vile 


A PRIZE. 63 

abuse upon us and our companions ; but without 
causing any great grief to Zenas or myself. 

Then it was my brother took a hand at wag- 
ging his tongue, and with such effect that the 
Tory was speedily reduced to silence. 

‘‘You are making a big mistake, Master Hunt, 
in abusing us when there is nothing to prevent 
our dropping you overboard with weight enough 
at your heels to insure speedy sinking,” he said 
with an assumption of anger which I knew was 
not real, because he could not well have given 
way to temper while the sense of victory was so 
strong upon him. “All we want just now is a 
plain account of what you have been doing since 
leaving Flushing, and I warn you against lying, 
for a single untruth will lead to death.” 

“ You’ll get nothing from me, you turn-coat ! ” 
Simon replied viciously. 

“Lend a hand, Amos,” Zenas said in a busi- 
ness-like tone. “ If there is no information to 
be gained from these fellows the sooner they go 
over the rail the better.” 

I stepped forward as he spoke, and together we 
two began winding the halliards around Simon’s 
body until he could move neither hand nor 
foot. 

“You are to look around for something heavy 


64 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


enough to sink him, while I truss up the others,” 
Zenas said, as he began operations on Clem 
Parker, whom, as we well knew, was the biggest 
coward to be found on Long Island. 

‘‘What are you about the lad asked in evi- 
dent terror. 

“We count on getting rid of four Tories who 
will not be missed by the good people of Flush- 
ing,” Zenas replied in a matter-of-fact tone. 

“Would you murder us?” and Clem’s voice 
was husky with fear. 

“ There is no such thing as murder in warfare. 
We have made prisoners of four enemies to the 
cause of liberty, and since it is not exactly safe 
to hold them, we count on putting the whole 
crowd out of the world by the simplest method.” 

Clem must have believed that we were prepared 
to do as my brother had threatened, for he began 
to beg piteously for life ; but his companions re- 
mained silent, most likely waiting for more proof 
as to our murderous intentions. 

“Will you tell me what I want to know?” 
Zenas asked, when young Parker was rendered 
perfectly helpless by the many turns of rope. 

“I’ll do anything you wish,” the coward 
whined. “ You wouldn’t have the heart to kill 
one of your old friends, Zenas Dunkel ! ” 


A PRIZE. 


65 


such a time as this I’d do anything to 
further my ends,” Zenas said, as if he was the 
most bloodthirsty wretch in the colonies. Tell 
me exactly what you and your precious mates 
have been doing since we left Flushing, and if I 
ever learn that you’ve lied in the smallest par- 
ticular, you shall be hanged or drawn, which- 
ever mj,y be most convenient.” 

Hold your tongue, you coward ! ” Simon 
cried in a fury. ‘‘ They don’t dare harm a hair 
of your head ! ” 

Clem hesitated, hoping most likely that his 
friend spoke the truth ; but in a twinkling Zenas 
had him on the rail, while I made fast a boat’s 
killock to his feet. 

Don’t murder me when I’m willing to tell 
everything ! ” the coward cried, now convinced 
that we were ready to carry out our threats. 

We haven’t spoken to a single soul since leaving 
Flushing, except when we showed our pass to an 
officer of one of the ships in the upper bay, and 
told him for whom we were hunting.” 

‘‘What was done before leaving Flushing?” 

“ Simon sent express to Lieutenant-Colonel 
Emerick at Oyster Bay, lodging information 
against your family, and then got a pass from 

Captain Downes.” 

5 


00 AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

If these rebels don’t kill you I will ! ” Simon 
cried in a rage. 

'' Never fear that he can work you any harm,” 
Zenas said soothingly, as he pulled the coward 
back to the deck. ‘'Tell me how you three 
chanced to come in pursuit of us ? ” 

“ It was Simon’s doings. He had authority from 
Captain Downes to impress the Princess, and we 
thought it would be a fine adventure, that’s all. ” 

“ What did you count on doing with us in case 
you were lucfcy in the chase ? ” 

“ Hold your tongue ! ” Simon roared in a pas- 
sion. 

Clem hesitated ; but when Zenas lifted him to- 
ward the rail he replied : 

“ He allowed to hand you over to the British in 
New York, and thus earn the reward offered for 
turn-coats.” 

“Where is the pass from Captain Downes ? ” 
Zenas asked, as he allowed Clem to fall heavily on 
the deck. 

“ In Simon’s pocket.” 

“ We’ll drop these fellows in the hold, where 
they can’t make trouble for any save themselves, 
and then put back to meet the fleet, for unless 
I’m mistaken we’ll get to Oyster Bay more quickly 
than Captain Hyler counted on.” 


UNDER FALSE COLORS. 


67 


CHAPTER IV. 

UNDER FALSE COLORS. 

The capture of the Princess proved that my 
brother Zenas was the sort of a lad needed in the 
whale-boat navy ; for he not only had good ideas, 
but knew full well how they should be put into 
execution. 

His first act, after Clem Parker had given all 
the information we needed, was to get the pass 
from Captain Downes which Simon Hunt had in 
his possession, and once this had been done we 
four lads were reasonably safe from interference 
by the Britishers, since we could show proper 
authority for being in the bay. There was no 
description of Simon or his followers on the doc- 
ument, and we would he able to play to perfection 
the role of Tories. 

This Captain Downes who had given Simon a 
safeguard during ^‘a cruise to Raritan Bay and 
back to Flushing ” was a sour-visaged adherent 
of the king’s, who had never a friend in the town ; 
but who was ready at all times to do whatsoever 


68 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


he might in the way of making trouble for others. 
1 knew him full well, and understood with what 
satisfaction the old scoundrel had filled up the 
pass when he believed that by so doing he would 
he the indirect cause of sending Zenas and me to 
prison. 

Downes had laid information against more 
people of Long Island than any other four men 
put together, and if it ever chanced that the 
American army got foothold round about Flush- 
ing, he would probably have had a very unpleas- 
ant time, if indeed he was so fortunate as to 
escape being hanged. 

However, Captain Downes had unwittingly 
done us a good turn, and we might cruise to and 
fro a full four and twenty hours now that we had 
British sanction for so doing. 

Zenas saw to it that the prisoners were trussed 
up in such fashion that they could neither aid 
themselves nor each other, and then at his sug- 
gestion we hoisted the shallop inboard, stowing 
her snugly in the hold. 

Until all this work had been done Elijah Corn- 
wall held his peace as if seriously disgruntled ; 
but when the Princess was brought around and 
headed for the Jersey shore he, most likely want- 
ing to smooth matters before we met Captain 


UNDER FALSE COLORS. 69 

Hyler, said with a feeble show of friendliness, as 
he held out his hand to Zenas : 

‘‘You were right and I in the wrong, as has 
been proven by the capture of this sloop. I’m 
sorry I attempted to go contrary to your wishes.” 

“That’s all right, lad, now that we’ve suc- 
ceeded in what I counted on doing from the first 
moment this vessel hove insight. Let’s think no 
more about it, and while we’re running across the 
bay it won’t be a bad idea if you overhaul the 
prize to learn what she’s got on board in the way 
of provisions. Amos and I will look after the 
sloop.” 

Elijah and Eeuben went below immediately, as 
well pleased, perhaps, to be alone together, as 
were my brother and I. 

When Master Cornwall had entered the for- 
ward cuddy, and we were at the tiller, Zenas said 
in a whisper : 

“I’m not overly pleased to have that fellow 
as a comrade ; he’s got such a good opinion of 
himself and so poor a one of two gawky lads like 
you and I, that we’re like to be put upon if this 
crew remains together very long.” 

“ I’ll answer for it you won’t be put upon to 
any great extent,” I said with a laugh, and Zenas 
grinned appreciatively. . 


70 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


Perhaps not,” he said grimly ; ^^hnt the time 
may come when I can’t make him stand aside as 
easily as I did just now. We surely should get 
some credit for capturing this sloop, and what is 
of more value, a British pass.” 

Captain Hyler will be a queer sort of com- 
mander if he doesn’t give you a big share of credit 
for the work. Had I been alone in the shallop with 
Elijah and Eeuben, we’d be hiding on the Jersey 
shore now, and Simon would be spreading the 
story that two turn-coats were nearabout in a 
boat answering to the description of ours. If 

Clem Parker told the truth ” 

I’ll answer for it he did ! A fellow who was 
so thoroughly frightened couldn’t lie very con- 
veniently ! ” 

‘‘Then it’s certain Simon Hunt hasn’t done 
very much toward spreading the news that we’ve 
broken our oath ; and I see no reason why we 
couldn’t, even venture into New York City if any- 
thing was to be gained by so doing.” 

“ I reckon we’re not called upon to run our heads 
into such danger. You seem to forget that the 
cur lodged information against our family. ” 

I haven’t forgotten it ; but it will require some 
time for a messenger to go to Oyster Bay, and it 
may not have been convenient for the British 


UNDER FALSE COLORS. 71 

officer to set out at once in search of father and 
Moses. I’m counting on being able to get them 
safe on board this sloop before many hours have 
passed.” 

That must be as Captain Hyler says. While 
we haven’t regularly enlisted, it is much the same 
thing, and we must stand up to our word with 
him, else it may be said that we have no friend- 
ship for the truth.” 

By this time Reuben came aft to say that they 
had found a goodly store of bacon, potatoes and 
tea in the cuddy, and Zenas suggested that he 
and Elijah set about getting supper so we could 
have a bite whenever the opportunity presented 
itself. 

He had no more than gone below again when 
the first of the whale-boat fleet came in sight, 
and in order to show that we were friends, Zenas 
hove the sloop to while I ran up the ratlines and 
waved my coat. 

To our surprise and delight Captain Hyler was 
on board this boat. As we afterward learned, he 
had at the last moment decided to follow close 
behind us lest we should perform our duties in a 
careless manner, and therefore it was that we 
lost no time in waiting for new orders. 

He appeared considerably surprised at seeing 


72 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


US in charge of the sloop, and hailed while yet 
some distance away to learn the reason of our 
thus having increased the size of his fleet. 

Zenas told the story while the captain was pull- 
ing alongside, and when our commander clam- 
bered over the rail, Beuben, who had come on 
deck at the first sound of conversation, said, like 
the honest fellow that he was : 

‘‘It is only right, captain, that these two 
fellows from Flushing should have all the credit 
of the capture. Had ’Lige and I been allowed 
our way, we’d been sneaking along shore by this 
time.” 

From that moment I looked upon Beuben 
Jackson as a comrade whom one could trust im- 
plicitly, and he never betrayed my faith in him, 
although in the days that came we were often in 
a tight place where he might have done himself 
a good turn at my expense, when no one could 
have blamed him severely. 

Captain Hyler made no comment : in fact he 
did nothing more than laugh until Zenas showed 
him the pass for the Princess, made out in proper 
form, and then he gave vent to a prolonged 
whistle, after which he laughed more heartily 
than usual. 

“You boys from Flushing seem cut out for 


UNDER FALSE COLORS. 73 

such work as we count on doing. I knew Nathan 
Pratt’s opinion was to be relied upon ; but had 
no suspicion that he didn’t say enough in your 
favor. Now we may make the voyage to Oyster 
Bay in less time than was at first counted on.” 

‘‘Yes, sir, and it stands Amos and me in hand 
to get there as soon as possible in order to save 
our father and brother from becoming acquainted 
with New York prisons.” 

“I venture to predict that we’ll succeed in so 
far as their relief goes, and at the same time we 
may find it*convenient to lay hold of the gentle- 
man who can supply us with passes. Kun in 
toward the shore, and we’ll soon let the remain- 
der of the crew know in what way our plans are 
changed.” 

We stood in, Zenas acting the part of captain 
even though the commander was on board, until 
we were well into the mouth of the river, and 
here we came to anchor just as Eeuben an- 
nounced that he and Elijah had made ready a 
“smoking hot supper.” 

One of the whale-boat’s crew stood watch on 
deck while the rest of us went below, and before 
the meal had come to an end the remainder of 
Captain Hyler’s party were alongside. 

Zenas proposed that I take it upon myself 


74 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


to look after the prisoners, and while my compan- 
ions were discussing the sudden and welcome 
change in affairs I went into the hold. 

It must be confessed that our captives were 
not as comfortable as would have been possible ; 
but the liberty— perhaps the lives — of all hands 
depended upon our holding them securely, and 
we could not afford to run any risks in order that 
they might be lodged more after their own ideas. 

I dealt out a generous supply of bacon and 
potatoes, loosening the bonds of each in turn in 
order that he might have the use of his hands, 
and all the while Simon. Hunt amused himself 
with the vilest threats regarding what he would 
do when, as he said ^‘the tables were turned.’’ 

But for the fact that the Tory cur was a prisoner 
and helpless, I would have repaid his insults by 
depriving him of food during this evening at least; 
but to wreak vengeance when he was so wholly 
in my power would have been the act of a 
villain. 

I contented myself by giving the miserable Tory 
some good advice which he would have done well to 
follow, and after the four had been fed and their 
thirst satisfied, I went on deck, glad to draw in a 
long breath of fresh air. 

While I had been acting the part of jailer the 


UNDER FALSE COLORS. 


76 


Princess was gotten under way with two of the 
whale-boats turned bottom up on deck, all the 
swivels from the other boats in the hold, and a 
crew of not less than fifty men lounging around 
the deck until it was difficult to make one’s way 
forward or aft. 

Zenas stood at the tiller, and I went toward 
him at once eager to learn why we had increased 
the crew to such an extent. 

The whale-boats, with the exception of the two 
that have been taken on deck, are bound around 
the island with four men in each,” he said in 
reply to my question. All the rest of the party 
are on boardi ready for anything in the way of 
adventure which may turn up.” 

‘ ‘ I reckon we won’t have to wait very long for 
something exciting,” I replied grimly. ^‘If we 
run across a British vessel it is hardly likely our 
pass, which calls for four men, will be of much 
avail.” 

‘‘Don’t think, Amos, that Captain Hyler was 
so thick-headed as not to realize that fact. All 
hands are to go into the hold when we are in the 
narrows, and but four will show themselves — you. 
Captain Hyler, Eeuben and I.” 

“ How does it happen that Elijah is counted 
out ? ” 


76 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


I can’t say for a surety ; but it is easy to 
guess that the captain doesn’t have perfect con- 
fidence in one who would run away at the first 
sight of a craft like this.” 

‘^Then we’re going to sail boldly past the 
city ? ” 

‘^Aye, and in the daylight, if it so be the 
officers of the guard-boats insist upon our wait- 
ing. With the pass in our possession we are 
good Tories, striving to aid the king in ferreting 
out the rebels who claim a right to the country 
they have earned by fighting for it against 
Indians and pirates.” 

There is somewhat of risk in the venture,” I 
said half to myself, as I thought of all the possi- 
bilities. 

Surely you are not growing faint-hearted at 
a time when everything seems to be working in 
our favor ? ” he cried in surprise. 

‘‘I’m not afraid to make the venture, and 
would try it if you and I were the only ones 
aboard the sloop ; but it doesn’t give proof of the 
coward to look forward a bit. I had rather be 
prepared for whatsoever may come, by imagining 
danger, than taken by surprise at the last 
moment.” 

“That’s where you’re right, lad,” a voice from 


UNDER FALSE COLORS. 


77 


behind said emphatically, and turning I saw Cap- 
tain Hyler, who had approached sufficiently near 
to overhear the conversation. ‘‘We must take 
many chances, engaged in such work as we are ; 
but the circumstances at present are not very 
desperate. We can hold our own against any 
number of Britishers who might come aboard, if 
such an undertaking was necessary ; but in case 
your prisoner told the truth, I’m counting that 
we shall run through without a hitch, save, per- 
haps, when we shall be ordered to lay alongside 
one of the men-of-war till morning.” 

It was good for a fellow’s courage to hear the 
captain speak of what might be before us ; he 
had a way of convincing a fellow that all was in 
his favor — not by use of so many words ; but by 
his tone, bearing, and heartening laugh. 

After looking around him a bit, the captain 
said to Zenas : 

“When our crew has been sent below I will 
take the tiller while you act the part of captain. 
It may be I can handle the sloop better than you, 
and certain it is if we are questioned, you or 
your brother must make the replies, because of 
my ignorance concerning the good or bad people 
of Long Island.” 

Already was the Princess approaching the 


78 AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

narrows. To my great relief our commander set 
about sending the crew below, ordering every 
man, under penalty of most severe punishment 
to remain perfectly quiet, and on the alert to 
answer his summons, which would be given by 
stamping his foot on the deck thrice. 

Have your weapons handy, for you will not 
be called unless needed to take part in a scrim- 
mage, and to wait for other orders than the 
signal may be a waste of valuable time.” 

When the men were finally hidden from view, 
and the hatchway partially covered with a piece 
of tarpaulin. Captain Hyler took his station at 
the tiller. Keuben and I went forward to act, as 
lookouts, and Zenas was left to dispose of him- 
self as fancy dictated. 

The breeze was stiff enough to send the Prin- 
cess along with a bone in her teeth, and I knew 
that the little sloop could not easily be overhauled 
save by the swiftest of the king’s ships, therefore 
if it should become necessary to run for it, we 
might count on escaping. 

Excited as I was, it seemed as if our vessel 
fairly fiew over the water, and in a very short 
time we had a view of his majesty’s fieet as it 
lay before the conquered city. 

Eeuben, who had pulled to and fro along the 


UNDER FALSE COLORS. 


79 


Jersey shore picking up information which might 
be useful to Captain Hyler, knew well where 
each ship lay. He pointed out to me the frigates 
Eoebuck, Phoenix, Orpheus, Eose, and Carysfort, 
and while looking at those enormous ships I said 
to myself that there vras little chance the Ameri- 
cans could ever drive them away. At that 
moment it was to me as if, by joining those who 
favored the rebellion, we were but putting the 
halter around our own necks. I could see no 
gleam of hope for the Cause. 

Then Eeuben, who was not troubled by such 
forebodings as found a place in my mind, showed 
me the dark form of the prison-ships which had 
been brought up to receive the unfortunates who 
were taken during the last battle, and I could 
well fancy what a despondent crowd of men were 
fastened beneath the hatches. The poor fellows 
had been wofully beaten, and were now receiv- 
ing such punishment as cannot be described and 
can hardly be imagined. 

The lad also explained which portion of the city 
had so lately been destroyed by fire, and if his 
information was correct, then the better half of 
the entire place must have been in ashes at that 
time. 

All the while Eeuben was pointing out the dif- 


80 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


ferent objects well calculated to cause fear, sad- 
ness or despair, the Princess was running straight 
up toward the battery on Bowling Green, seem- 
ingly courting attention from the king’s fleet, 
and it was not many moments before we received 
it. 

Ahoy on the sloop ! ” was shouted when we 
were within half a gunshot of the frigate Kose, 
and Zenas replied : 

‘^Aye, aye, sir.” 

What craft is that ?” 

The sloop Princess from Flushing, under pro- 
tection of a pass from Captain Downes.” 

Who is Captain Downes ? Heave to at once ! ” 
Zenas shouted for the helmsman to bring the 
sloop around, and the order was obeyed in such 
a clumsy fashion that we drifted fifty yards or 
more on the flood tide in advance of the frigate. 

Captain Downes is a native of Flushing ; one 
of the king’s recruiting officers, and in command 
of the Eoyalists in that section of the island,” 
Zenas explained, determined that the king’s officer 
should have all the information he had asked for. 

Then a guard-boat shot around the bow of the 
frigate, and in a twinkling was alongside, an 
officer in the stern-sheets holding a lighted lantern 
as he demanded to see our pass. 


UNDER FALSE COLORS. 81 

Zenas produced it after some search, and said 
as he handed it over the rail : 

‘^This was shown when we came down, sir, 
and pronounced correct. Two lads escaped from 
Flushing, and we set off with all haste to capture 
them.” 

‘‘Did you succeed?” the officer asked with 
mild interest as he handed the paper hack to 
Zenas. 

“ No sir ; hut it may be that they didn’t come 
this way as was believed.” 

“It’s more likely they’ve joined that rebel 
Hyler, who is skulkin’ up New Brunswick way, 
waitin’ till it shall be safe to come out,” the 
helmsman volunteered, and I trembled at his 
audacity in thus speaking of himself as if willing 
to give all the information possible, which was 
exactly what he most desired. 

“ This Hyler is one who professes to trade along 
the coast, and is ever on the alert to injure the 
king’s loyal subjects, is he not ?” 

“Aye, aye, sir, an’ a bigger villain never went 
unhung.” 

“ Do you know to a certainty where he is now ? ” 

“It has been told by those on whom we can 
rely, that no longer ago than this forenoon he 
was in New Brunswick, with his boats hauled up 
6 


82 AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

high an’ dry, waitin’ till it is safe to venture 
out.” 

In which case he may wait a long while, 
unless we take it into our heads to go after him. ” 

It might easily be done, sir,” the helmsman 
said eagerly. A couple of young cutters with 
a few swivels could get the best of all Hyler’s 
gang, an’ without much danger.” 

By this time the guard-boat was pulling off, 
and since the officer gave no commands, Zenas 
asked innocently : 

Are we to go on, sir ? ” 

Then we heard a voice from the deck of the 
frigate ask : 

Did you have a thorough look at the fellow, 
lieutenant ? ” 

It’s the same craft we overhauled yesterday, 
sir. I looked him over then, and found nothing. 
Shall he proceed to Flushing ? ” 

‘^If you are satisfied, let him go.” 

Captain Hyler did not wait for orders, but flung 
the sloop’s bow around by aid of the mainsail, 
and we sailed slowly on past the Carysfort so 
near that I could readily have tossed a biscuit 
aboard. 

We had passed the first line of the fleet ; but 
before us were the prison-ships, the officers of 


UNDER FALSE COLORS. 


83 


which might take a notion to bring us to, and 
since it was not likely they had previously over- 
hauled the Princess, we might speedily find that 
we had gotten out of the frying-pan into the fire. 

‘‘ Captain Hyler will pull us through all right,” 
Reuben said to me when we were well on our 
course once more. ^ ‘ I Ve seen him in some mighty 
tight places, and he never so much as turned a 
hair. When you’ve served under him three 
months, as I have done, sneaking past the British 
fleet at night won’t seem anything very difficult.” 

I was willing to admit all my companion said 
in favor of the captain ; but the thought that we 
were yet to sail near the fortifications, and close 
by the prison-ships, caused a certain chill to creep 
up my spine. 

I could not believe that Zenas and I might pass 
these danger-points twice without coming to harm, 
and was saying to myself that it was not well to 
crow until we were well clear of the woods, when 
we heard a hail dead ahead. 

Ahoy there ! ” came from a small boat almost 
directly under our bow. 

^‘Who is it?” Zenas cried, coming forward 
and leaning over the rail. 

‘‘Guard-boat from the Good Hope. Up with 
your helm, you lubber, or you’ll run us down ! ’’ 


84 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


Mind your eye, Clem Parker ! ” Zenas cried 
as if in anger. ^‘Put your helm up till I show 
the pass.” 

Who gave you a pass to run up here in the 
night ? ” a voice from the boat cried. 

Captain Downes of Flushing. We are out in 
search of Whigs, and came down here yesterday. 
The captain of the Eose just told us to keep on 
toward home.” 

You can’t do anything of the kind. Let go 
your anchor, and we’ll have a look at you in the 
morning ! ” 


CONTRARY TO ORDERS. 


85 


CHAPTER V. 

CONTRARY TO ORDERS. 

I WAS not surprised when we were thus brought 
up with a sharp turn by the officer of the guard- 
boat from the prison-ship Good Hope. We had 
been sliding along so smoothly that I had fully 
expected something of the kind, for such progress 
with the chances so decidedly against us was what 
might almost have been called ‘^unnatural.’’ 

At the moment my single regret was that we 
had not been stopped by one of the frigates of 
Bowling Green, when there would have been no 
less than three roads for escape if we were like 
to come to grief. From there we could have 
pulled up the Hudson River, run back through 
the narrows, or taken chances in the city itself, 
if flight became possible, whereas, under the lee 
of the prison-ship we were cornered, so to speak, 
like a rat. There was no way in which to flee, 
unless one was so foolish as to run the risk of 
going ashore on Long Island where Tories were 


86 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


thicker than flies in August, more especially since 
the Britishers had won the battle. 

All these thoughts passed through my mind in 
the merest fraction of time, and I had drawn 
my own conclusions by the time Zenas shouted, 
responsive to the officer’s orders : 

‘‘Clear away that cable, you clumsy farmers ! 
Bend on the hawser, an’ make certain of givin’ 
her scope enough ! ” 

The helmsman came running forward as if 
frightened by the angrily spoken commands of 
our captain, and when I would have let the anchor 
go, he pulled me back ; but all the while advis- 
ing that this or that be done, until it was as if 
we three did not know how to perform that 
which would have been a simple task for any 
fellow who had never before been on shipboard. 

“Can't you understand that we don’t want to 
do the work in a hurry,” Captain Hyler whispered 
to me when I, with perhaps a show of irrita- 
tion, would have hove the light anchor over the 
rail. 

Not until I had glanced toward the light *of 
the prison-ship did I realize what might be ef- 
fected by pretended ignorance. The flood tide 
was carrying us up river away from the enemy, 
and every moment spent in fumbling with the 


CONTRARY TO ORDERS. 87 

cable insured us a greater distance from the 
Britishers. 

Only then did I understand that it was not 
Captain Hyler’s intention to remain at anchor 
until morning, even though orders to that effect 
had been given by our masters, and straightway 
I became so clumsy as not to know the difference 
between the jib halliards and the main sheet. 

Let go your anchor ! ” the officer in the guard- 
boat shouted angrily. Let go, or I’ll fire.” 

‘ ‘ In the name of mercy, captain, hold on till 
we can clear this cable ! ” Captain Hyler cried 
in pretended terror. Theso Flushing farmers 
have snarled it till you can’t tell one end from 
the other ! ” 

Send some of your men on board to straighten 
matters, lieutenant ! ” a voice from the prison 
ship cried, and then it was that we let go the 
anchor with a splash, having carried the joke as 
far as it was safe, for we would speedily come to 
grief if British sailors should board us. 

The trick proved more of a success than I 
had believed possible ; thanks to Captain Hyler’s 
read}^ wit the Princess had drifted half a musket- 
shot away from the gloomy prison-ship, and by 
giving ample scope to the cable she would ride 
so far from the enemy that the bloody-backs, as 


88 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


some called the Britishers, could not see in the 
gloom what might be taking place on our deck. 

She’s all right now, an’ when the tide turns 
we can come up a bit nearer if you like,” Captain 
Hyler cried to the officer in the boat, and he re- 
plied in a temper : 

Stay where you are ; and be careful not to 
get any further off. We don’t want you run- 
ning foul of us, as would most likely happen if 
you shifted anchorage,” and he added as if to 
himself, 1 wonder how such a set of lubbers 
have run their craft thus far up the river with- 
out coming to grief ! ” 

We could just distinguish the shape of the 
guard-boat as she pulled in alongside the prison- 
ship, and when all was quiet again Captain Hyler 
sent Eeuben below to let the men know what had 
happened to interfere with the voyage. 

‘Wou don’t count on lying here a great 
while ? ” Zenas whispered, and our commander 
replied : 

‘‘We’d better hold on a couple of hours ; by the 
end of that time they’ll conclude we are willing 
to obey orders. There wouldn’t be any great risk 
of slipping the cable at once ; but there’s no need 
of taking chances while matters are going our 
way.” 


CONTRARY TO ORDERS. 89 

Then we three remained silent and motionless 
until Reuben came on deck again, and immedi- 
ately he appeared Captain Hyler whispered to 
him : 

‘‘ Go back and tell the boys that they are to 
make ready for getting the shallop on deck when 
we uncover the hatch. Let them understand that 
we’re to make a run for it, and I count on getting 
all three of the boats into the water if chase 
should be made.” 

Meaning that we will abandon the sloop if 
hard pressed,” I said, unconsciously speaking my 
thoughts. 

‘‘ Exactly. There’s little fear but that we can 
give them the slip in the boats, even though the 
wind dies away ; but if it can be done without 
much risk, we’ll hold on to the sloop a while 
longer.” 

After he thus spoke we remained silent, watch- 
ing the prison-ship until it was only with the 
greatest difficulty I could force my eyes to remain 
open. The darkness, and the soughing of the 
wind through the rigging was enough to lull the 
sharpest watcher to slumber. 

It seemed to me that we had remained at anchor 
no less than four hours, and I was looking for 
that gray light which precedes the coming of 


90 AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

day, when Captain Hyler gave the first sign of 
life. 

reckon the time has come to disobey or- 
ders,” he whispered. ‘‘One of you lads will cut 
the hawser with his knife, taking good care not 
to let the end fall into the water in such manner 
as to make a noise, and so long as the sloop drifts 
in the middle of the river we’ll leave her alone ; 
but all hands must be ready to sail on the instant ! 
Rube Jackson, tell Howland and Morse to send 
up the shallop.” 

I went forward without waiting for further 
command, and with the knife such as all seamen 
wear at their heels, began sawing at the stout 
manila cable, smiling to myself as I thought that 
Captain Downes might be called upon to pay for 
the tackle we were about to abandon. 

We could hear the footfalls of the sentries on 
the prison-ship as they kept guard over the poor 
wretches who were confined between decks ; but 
never a word of conversation came from that 
direction, therefore it was reasonable to believe 
that if any officers were on duty they were tak- 
ing it comfortably in the cabin. 

Never before had I come across a piece of manila 
rope that so stoutly resisted the edge of a knife. 
In my excitement it seemed as if I had worked a 


CONTRARY TO ORDERS. 


91 


full half hour before the strands separated, and I 
felt rather than heard the end slip into the 
water. 

We had come up the bay on the young flood, 
and the tide would set in our favor for an hour 
or more longer, therefore we had nothing to do 
save, wait in breathless excitement until we were 
borne out of sight in the gloom, or brought to by 
a gun from the ship. 

I could see dimly that two men had come up 
from the hold and were standing like shadows by 
the main halliards. Some one was at the rail a 
few feet from me, with the jib halliards in his 
hands, and toward this figure I crept softly. 

It was Zenas, and he clasped my hand as I 
stood by his side with a nervous grip which told 
that his excitement was quite as great as my 
own. 

We gazed intently at the outlines of the ship 
which gradually became less and less distant, and 
expecting each instant to see the flash of cannon 
proclaiming that we must submit as prisoners. 

‘^Suppose they open on us?” I said half to 
myself, and Zenas replied cheerily : 

Now that we’ve gained such a distance on 
them, I reckon we could slip over the sloop’s rail 
before much mischief was done. The men in the 


92 AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

hold would make quick work of launching the 
boats.” 

Already were we at such a distance that only 
with difficulty could I distinguish the outlines of 
the ship’s rigging against the sky, and my heart 
leaped exultantly as I realized that the breeze was 
increasing as the morning drew nigh. Even now 
we might win the chase, should one be begun, 
and I looked upon our escape as certain. 

Then it was no longer possible to see even the 
form of the ship ; but the sloop was swinging 
nearer the New York shore than waspleasing, for 
I knew the current would carry us into Kip’s Bay 
where was a fort, with a force of British most 
likely occupying it since the American army had 
been obliged to retreat. 

‘'You had better tell Captain Hyler that we 
are drifting too near the fortifications.” I 
whispered, and Zenas started aft, saying before 
he left me : 

“ Don’t lose any time in running up the jib 
after the word is given.” 

“He must have suddenly gotten the idea that 
I was a fool, for under the circumstances even a 
snail would have moved lively if he knew that a 
British prison was ready to receive him in case 
the slightest blunder or delay was made. 


CONTRARY TO ORDERS. 


93 


Five minutes later the word was passed for- 
ward in whispers to make sail, and we did our 
best to effect the object noiselessly ; but despite 
all our efforts the hoops rasped on the spar until 
it seemed to me that the enemy anywhere within 
a mile would be made aware of what we were 
doing. 

The Britishers must have been sleeping soundly, 
confident the Yankees could do them no mischief 
now that General W ashington had been so signally 
defeated, otherwise we would have had a swarm 
of them about our ears before the Princess was 
brought around on her course. 

Once that had been done, however, and she 
forged ahead aided by both tide and wind, I knew 
beyond reasonable doubt that we had made good 
our escape ; for even though they should come in 
pursuit now, not a man of them could make his 
way through Hell Gate without a pilot, and Zenas 
was able to run our craft down the turbulent 
waters, never grazing the smallest rock even in 
the darkness. 

The boatmen who had been so long confined in 
the dark hold were allowed to come on deck, and 
away we sped rejoicing in having come safely 
past all the British obstructions in New York 
Bay and harbor. 


94 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


The deck of the Princess was literally thronged 
with men, and there was no good reason why 
I should feel obliged to remain on duty w^hen 
twenty pairs of hands were ready to execute any 
order which might be given. Zenas was at the 
tiller, and knowing the sloop was in good hands 
so long as he remained there, I went into the 
hold to make certain the prisoners were unable 
to effect an escape. 

Simon Hunt was very humble now, after hav- 
ing seen what a crew we carried, and did not so 
much as venture an abusive word. On the con- 
trary, he begged that I would loosen the rope a 
bit in order to ease the strain on his wrists ; but 
this I did not deem it wise to do. 

Then he tried cajoling me, declaring that he 
had not intended to work either Zenas or me any 
harm ; but was only playing a joke, all of which 
showed that he either took me for a big fool, or 
was a bigger one himself. 

‘‘I suppose it was a part of the same joke 
when you lodged information with Colonel Em- 
erick against our family?’’ I asked sharply, 
whereupon the villainous Tory declared that he 
had done nothing of the kind. 

Captain Downes may have sent express to 
Oyster Bay ; but I had no hand in it,” he said. 


CONTRARY TO ORDERS. 


95 


‘‘Clem Parker has lied all the way through, in 
order to work a spite on me.’’ 

I would not stop to bandy words with the 
fellow, for I knew he was saying that which had 
in it no word of truth, and, again making certain 
the ropes which bound the precious crew had not 
been tampered with, went on deck. 

My stay in the hold must have been longer than 
I believed, for on coming into the open air I saw 
that the new day was just breaking. We had 
sailed in safety over the rapids, and fair before 
us lay the entrance to Flushing Bay. 

Now was come the time when Captain Hyler 
might do us, meaning Zenas and myself, a good 
turn if he was so disposed. He was bound for 
Oyster Bay, yet by delaying a few hours we 
might run in to Flushing, take on board my 
parents and Moses, and thus spare them great 
suffering and Zenas and I much distress of mind, 
unless, by some misadventure, their arrest had 
already been accomplished. 

All this I suggested to Zenas, and he immedi- 
ately repeated it to the captain with more force 
of argument than I would have dared to use. He 
spoke of what we two had already done, in thus 
saving a long voyage around the island by cap- 
turing the sloop, and bound himself and me to 


96 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


any task whatsoever that the captain might 
choose to put upon us as the price of making the 
detour necessary to aid our parents. 

The only reason why he hesitated to call in at 
Flushing was that by so doing Colonel Emerick, 
whom he hoped to capture, might be warned of 
our whereabouts ; but this seemed to me a tri- 
fling argument, and I said with no little warmth : 

‘‘It is as worthy a deed to save two good men 
from what would be worse than death in a British 
prison, as to capture half a dozen redcoats when 
you must be put to considerable inconvenience to 
hold them securely.” 

“By having them in our possession we can 
effect an exchange, and for an officer as high in 
rank as a lieutenant-colonel, we can demand 
many good men of ours,” the captain said as if 
to himself, and Zenas added : 

“It is not certain that by making the attempt 
to aid my father, mother and brother. Colonel 
Emerick will be warned. If the wind holds good 
we should be in Oyster Bay before word can be 
sent there overland, and you have no proof that 
the people of Flushing will consider it necessary 
to spread the news, other than in the direction 
of New York.” 

“Say no more about it, lad,” Captain Hyler 


CONTRARY TO ORDERS. 


97 


interrupted. ‘‘We’ll have a try for your people, 
whatever comes of it, and if the task proves to 
have been ill-advised, we shall have the satisfac- 
tion of knowing that we erred in a good cause.” 

I could have hugged him at that moment, so 
great was my joy ; but a few seconds later my 
rejoicing was turned to apprehension, for I had 
good reason to fear that our loved ones had 
already been taken away. 

“ Don’t let your mind dwell on what may he ; 
but think only that in no other way could we 
have returned home so quickly and with such a 
force at our backs,” Zenas said soothingly when 
he saw that I was disturbed. “Fortune has 
been with us thus far, and we will count on pull- 
ing through all right.” 

Half an later I began to think that we were 
especially favored by Providence, for then it was 
that we sighted a small whale-boat under sail, 
and coming directly away from Flushing. 

Both Zenas and I knew that those residents of 
Flushing who owned such a craft were all Tories, 
and it seemed necessary we should learn who were 
on hoard. 

I called Captain Hyler’s attention to the fact, 
and urged him to intercept the boat by declaring 

that in so doing he would, perhaps, be able to cap- 
7 


98 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


ture prisoners of as much consequence as a colonel 
in the British army. 

It was not necessary to use many words ; he 
realized at once, in view of what both Zenas and 
I had said, how important it might be to have a 
look at the occupants, and the Princess was headed 
directly toward the strangers. 

Whoever was at the helm of the whale-boat 
must have believed there were no enemies in the 
vicinity, for not the slightest attempt was made 
to give us the slip, and before many moments had 
passed Zenas and I gave vent to a cry of joy. 

The man at the helm was none other than Cap- 
tain Downes, and he had as passenger our parents 
and brother ! We could see Moses distinctly as 
he lay in the bow tied hand and foot. Father 
was on the forward thwart in quite as helpless a 
condition, while my poor mother sat by his side, 
most likely trying to soothe his mental as well as 
bodily pain. 

We two, Zenas and I, had arrived just in the 
nick of time, and Captain Hyler would have the 
satisfaction of making prisoner one who held a 
commission from the king. 

I could have cried from very joy as I realized 
what would have been the result had we not ar- 
rived just there at that particular time, and knew 


CONTRARY TO ORDERS. 


99 


that it was impossible the villainous Tory, who 
was ready to do any dirty work in the name of 
his majesty, could now escape us. 

He had but one man to aid him in working the 
boat, and the breeze held so strong that he could 
not hope to give us the slip even had the Princess 
been a duller sailer than she was. 

Of a verity Simon Hunt had done us a good 
turn ^ven while trying to work the most deadly 
injury. 

Captain Hyler advised Zenas and I to remain 
out of sight, and sent the greater number of the 
men into the hold. This he did, not because he 
feared for an instant the boat could escape him ; 
but that the shortest time possible should be spent 
in the capture. 

‘•We shall be doing as you wished, and yet not 
taking any chances of allowing the Britishers in 
Oyster Bay to suspect that we are here,” he said 
with a laugh. “I had counted on being de- 
layed not less than four and twenty hours ; but 
now we will have wasted no more than sixty 
minutes.” 

Crouching behind the rail where one of the 
planks had been slightly stove, the aperture serv- 
ing us as a peep-hole, Zenas and I saw all that 

took place. 

Lof C. 


100 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


Captain Downes, most likely thinking Simon 
Hunt and his crew were still in possession of the 
Princess, came boldly up until he saw a stranger 
at the tiller, and then he would have sheered off ; 
but Captain Hyler cried out to the men forward : 

‘‘ Let two of you take good aim with your 
muskets at the helmsman of yonder craft, and at 
the first attempt to put about, send a couple of 
bullets into his head. We have no time to waste 
on the king’s servants ! ” 

The Tory actually turned green with fear and 
rage, and I noted with the most intense satisfac- 
tion the look of joy which came over the faces of 
the prisoners, for they knew by the words that 
friends were near at hand. 

A veritable coward was his majesty’s officer of 
Flushing, save when he was arresting helpless 
women or children with a large force at his back, 
and I knew full well that he would not risk his 
precious life in any attempt at escape. 

When the whale-boat was within a dozen yards, 
and our two men stood with muskets leveled at 
the Tory’s head, Zenas and I rose to our feet, 
waving our hats as we shouted again and again 
for very joy. 

Mother turned pale at seeing us ; but father 
and Moses replied to our shouts like men who 



“ Let two of you take good aim with your muskets at the helmsman of yonder 
craft.” — Page 100. Amos IXinkel. 




102 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


wonder, for if the rescue had not been effected 
those poor creatures would have been thrown 
into jail, and none but those who have suffered 
thus at the hands of the British can understand 
all the horrors of such imprisonment. 

Captain Downes and his crew of one man were 
trussed up carefully by us, and put into the hold 
to keep Simon and his comrades company. The 
whale-boat was made fast astern, and while 
Zenas and I were eagerly embracing our loved 
ones for at least the tenth time, the Princess was 
headed on the course to Oyster Bay. 


BRITISH PRISONERS 


103 


CHAPTER VI. 

BRITISH PRISONERS. 

At this point, and lest it be thought that I 
have been making a great ado about British 
prisons when they were no worse than other 
places of confinement all over the world, I pro- 
pose to set down that which was written concern- 
ing them by one who had ample reason to know 
exactly what they were like. 

That which I copy here was written a dozen 
years after the colonies declared they would be 
free and independent, therefore in the writing 
of it there can be no personal hatreds nor desire 
for revenge. I set it down at this point in order 
that the reader shall understand as fully as I 
did at the time, how much of suffering which 
was absolutely needless the king’s minions caused 
us ‘‘rebels.” 

The capture of Fort Washington, November 
16th, threw nearly twenty-seven hundred pris- 
oners into the hands of the British. To these 
must be added over one thousand taken at the 


104 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


battle of Brooklyn, and such private citizens as 
were arrested for their political principles in the 
vicinity of New York City and on Long Island, 
and we may safely conclude that Sir William 
Howe had at least five thousand prisoners, to 
provide for. The sudden influx of so many pris- 
oners, the recent capture of the city, and the 
unlooked-for conflagration of a fourth part of it, 
threw his affairs into such confusion that, from 
those circumstances alone, the prisoners must 
have suffered much from want of food and other 
bodily comforts ; but there was added the studied 
cruelty of Captain Cunningham, the Provost 
Marshal, and his deputies, and the criminal neg- 
ligence of Sir William Howe. To contain such 
a vast number of prisoners the ordinary places 
of confinement were insufficient. Accordingly 
the Brick Church, the Middle Dutch and the 
North Dutch churches were appropriated to their 
use. Besides these, Columbia College, the sugar- 
house, the new jail, the new Bridewell, and the 
city hall were filled to their utmost capacity. 

The sugar-house stood in Liberty Street south 
of the Middle Dutch church, a dark stone build- 
ing with small, deep, port-hole looking windows, 
rising tier above tier, exhibiting a dungeon-like 
aspect. It was five stories high, and each story 


BRITISH PRISONERS. 


105 


was divided into two dreary apartments. There 
was a strong, jail -like door opening on Liberty 
Street, and another on the southeast, descending 
into a dismal cellar, also used as a prison. There 
was a walk nearly broad enough for a cart to 
travel around it, where, night and day, two 
British or Hessian guards paced their weary 
rounds. The yard was surrounded by a close 
board fence, nine feet high. In the suffocating 
heat of summer I have seen every narrow aper- 
ture of those stone walls filled with human heads, 
face above face, seeking a portion of the external 
air. While the jail fever was raging in the sum- 
mer of 1Y7Y, the prisoners were let out in com- 
panies of twenty, for half an hour at a time, to 
breathe fresh air. Inside they were so crowded 
that they divided their numbers into squads 
of six each, and every squad was allowed in turn 
to stand by the window ten minutes at a time. 
Seats there were none, and their beds were but 
straw, intermixed with vermin. For many weeks 
the dead-cart visited the prison every morning, 
into which from eight to twelve corpses were 
flung and piled up like sticks of wood, and 
dumped into ditches in the outskirts of the city. 

‘‘The North Dutch church was made to hold 
eight hundred prisoners ; its pews were ripped out 


106 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


, and used for fuel ; its pulpit was sent to London, 
and a floor laid across from one gallery to the 
other. 

‘‘In the Middle Dutch church the prisoners 
taken on Long Island and at Fort Washington, 
sick, wounded and well, were all indiscriminately 
huddled together by hundreds and thousands ; 
large numbers of whom died by disease, and many 
were undoubtedly poisoned by inhuman attendants 
for the sake of their watches or silver buckles. 
Soon afterwards it was turned into a riding school 
to train dragoon horses. The floor was taken up, 
and the ground covered with tan bark. A pole 
ran across the middle, for the horses to leap over. 

“ The Brick Church was at first a prison, but 
soon it and other buildings were converted into 
hospitals. 

“ The new Bridewell was for a time used as a 
prison for American soldiers. Oliver Woodruff, 
who was taken prisoner at Fort Washington, says 
regarding it : ‘We were marched to New York, 
and went to different prisons— eight hundred and 
sixteen were sent to the new Bridewell, I among 
the number. On Thursday morning they brought 
us a little provision, which was the first morsel 
we got to eat or drink after eating our breakfast 
on Saturday morning. We never drew as much 


BRITISH PRISONERS. 


107 


provision for three days' allowance as a man 
would eat at a common meal. I was there three 
months during that inclement season, and never 
saw any fire except what was in the lamps of the 
city. There was not a pane of glass in the win- 
dows, and nothing to keep out the cold except the 
iron gates.’’ 

‘^The new jail, or the Provost, was destined 
for more notorious rebels, civil, naval and mili- 
tary. An admission into this modern bastile was 
enough to appal the stoutest heart. On the right 
hand of the main door was Captain Cunningham’s 
quarters ; opposite to which was the guard-room. 
Within the first barricade was Sergeant O’Keefe's 
apartment. At the entrance two sentinels were 
always posted, by day and night. Two more at 
the first and second barricades, which were grated 
barred and chained ; the same number were sta- 
tioned at the rear door, on the platform at the 
grated door, and at the foot of the second fiight 
of steps leading to the rooms and cells on the 
second and third stories. 

‘‘ When a prisoner, escorted by soldiers, was led 
iiito the hall the entire guard w'as paraded, and 
he was delivered over with all formality to Cap- 
tain Cunningham or his deputy. What with the 
bristling of arm, unbolting of bars and locks, 


108 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


clanking of enormous chains, and a vestibule as 
dark as Erebus, the unfortunate captive might 
well shrink under this sight and parade of tyran- 
nical power as he crossed the threshold of that 
door which possibly closed on him for life.” 

Now let me set down the stories of some of my 
friends who were so unfortunate as to have ex- 
perience in those pest holes, which suited the 
British well, because in them the prisoners died 
rapidly. 

‘'Lieutenant Eobert Troup, with several other 
officers, was made prisoner on the 27th day of 
August in the year of Independence, on Long 
Island. They were carried before the generals, 
interrogated and threatened to be hung. Thence 
they were led to a house near Flatbush. Next 
morning they were taken in the rear of the army 
in Bedford. Eighteen officers were confined in 
one small tent for two days and three nights, and 
it rained nearly all the time. Here it was that 
Provost Marshal Cunningham visited the prison- 
ers, bringing with him a negro who carried a 
halter, telling them that the negro had already 
hung several, and he imagined he would hang 
some more. The negro was allowed to insult the 
prisoners by threatening them with the halter, 
and the British officers called them such names 


BRITISH PRISONERS. 


100 


as scoundrels, robbers and murderers. From Bed- 
ford they were marched to Flatbush, and confined 
a week in Mr. Leffert’s house, on short allowance 
of biscuit and salt pork. Several Hessian soldiers 
took pity on them, and gave them apples. After 
spending a week at Flatbush they were put on 
board a transport without bedding or blankets, 
and neither soap nor fresh water given them for 
washing. They drank and cooked with the filthy 
water brought from England. After six weeks 
of such life they were put into the Bridewell. At 
first they were not allowed any fuel, and after- 
wards, only a little coal for three days in the week. 
Provisions were dealt out very negligently, in 
scanty quantity, and of bad quality. Most of 
the prisoners would have died but from the aid 
received from the poor people of the city.” 

A lad who lived in Flushing, and had been in- 
formed against by no less a person than Simon 
Hunt, told me that while he lay in Bridewell ac- 
cused of no crime, and having made no attempt 
whatever to join the colonists, he had no food 
from Saturday morning until Monday night. 
Then rations for three days were served, these 
same consisting of half a pound of biscuit, half a 
pound of pork, half pint peas, half gill rice, half 
ounce of butter, all of which he could have eaten 


110 


AMOS DUNKEL, OABSMAN. 


in one meal. They had neither hay nor straw to 
lie upon, and only one small cart-load of fuel for 
eight hundred men. At nine o’clock in the eve- 
ning the Hessian guards would come in and put 
out the fire, laying on the poor prisoners with 
heavy clubs because they were sitting around it. 
These wretches died like rotten sheep, with cold, 
hunger and dirt. It was only those who had good 
clothes to sell that managed to buy so much bread 
as was necessary to keep them alive. 

And nearly all of this terrible distress was di- 
rectly chargeable to that scoundrel. Captain Cun- 
ningham, who, some years later when he was 
about to be hanged in London for having com- 
mitted forgery, made a confession of which the 
following is a portion : 

‘‘I embarked at Newry in the ship Needham, 
for New York, and arrived at that port the 4th 
day of August, 1774, with some indented servants 
I had kidnapped in Ireland ; but they were liber- 
ated in New York on account of the bad usage they 
had received from me during the passage. In 
that city I used the profession of breaking horses 
and teaching ladies and gentlemen to ride ; but, 
rendering myself obnoxious to the citizens in their 
infant struggle for freedom, I was obliged to fiy 
on board the Asia man-of-war, and from thence 


BRITISH PRISONERS. 


Ill 


to Boston, where my own opposition to the meas- 
ures pursued by the Americans in support of their 
rights, was the first thing that recommended me 
to the notice of General Gage ; and when the 
war commenced I was appointed Provost Marshal 
to the Koyal army, which placed me in a situa- 
tion to wreak my vengeance on the Americans. 
I shudder to think of the murders I have been 
accessory to, both with and without orders 
from Government, especially while in New York, 
during which time there were more than two 
thousand prisoners starved in the different 
churches, by stopping their rations, which I sold. 
There were also two hundred and seventy-five 
American prisoners and obnoxious persons exe- 
cuted, out of all which number there were only 
about one dozen public executions, which chiefly 
consisted of British and Hessian deserters. The 
mode for private executions was thus conducted : 
A guard was despatched from the Provost about 
half-past twelve at night, to the Barrack Street 
and the neighborhood of the upper barracks, to 
order the people to shut their window shutters, 
and put out their lights, forbidding them at the 
same time to presume to look out of their 
windows and doors on pain of death. After 
which the unfortunate prisoners were conducted, 


112 


AMOS DXiNItEL, OARSMAN. 


gagged, just behind the upper barracks and hung 
without ceremony, and there buried by the black 
pioneer of the Provost.” 

So much as that the brute Cunningham con- 
fessed to, and I believe he did not tell all the truth 
even then. 

A friend of my father’s who was forced to live 
in New York during that terrible time because he 
could not get a pass to leave, told me that Cun- 
ningham often hung five or six in one night, and 
that the women of the neighborhood, pained by 
the prisoners’ cries for mercy, petitioned Howe to 
have this practise discontinued. 

While I am on this mournful subject, which is 
set forth that others may know how we who 
served the cause of liberty were tortured, it is 
well that I give the stories of one or two unfor- 
tunates who were confined on the prison-ship, 
where the suffering was greater, if that could 
be possible, than on shore, because they did not 
die so quickly. But first, however, that I may 
not be accused of saying what is not true, I will 
give the official report concerning the prisoners 
which was made by the worthy Master Pintard : 

He wrote to GeneralJones, close confined in 
jail without distinction of rank or character, 
amongst felons (a number of whom are under 


BRITISH PRISONERS. 


113 


sentence of death), without their friends being 
suffered to speak to them, even through grates. 
On the scanty allowance of two pounds each of 
hard biscuit and raw pork per man per week, 
without fuel to dress it. Frequently supplied 
with water from a pump where all kinds of filth 
is thrown that can render it obnoxious and un- 
wholesome, when good water is easily obtained. 
Denied the benefit of a hospital, not allowed to 
send for medicine, nor even a doctor permitted to 
see them when in the greatest distress ; married 
men and others who lay at the point of death, re- 
fused to have their wives or relations admitted 
to see them, and for attempting it often beat 
from the prison. Commissioned officers and other 
persons of character, without a cause, thrown 
into a loathsome dungeon, insulted in a gross 
manner, and vilely abused by a Provost Marshal 
who is allowed to be one of the basest characters in 
the British army, and whose power is so unlimited 
that he has caned an officer on a trivial occasion, 
and frequently bdats the sick privates when un- 
able to stand.” 

General Washington himself knew how the 
people were abused ; hut was powerless to prevent 
it. I have seen the copy of a letter which he wrote 

to Sir William Howe two months after Zenas 
8 


lU AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

and I joined Captain Hyler’s navy, and in it he 
said, regarding those who were prisoners aboard 
the ships : 

hope the miseries of cold, disease, and 
famine may not be added to their other mis- 
fortunes. You may call us rebels, and say we 
deserve no better treatment, but remember we 
have feelings keen and sensible as loyalists, and 
will retaliate on the unjust invaders of our rights, 
liberties and properties. My injured countrymen 
have long called on me to obtain redress to their 
grievances. I am sorry I am again under the ne- 
qessity of remonstrating to you on the treatment 
which our prisoners continue to receive in New 
York. Those who have lately been sent out give 
the most shocking accounts of their barbarous 
usage, which their miserable, emaciated counte- 
nances confirm. If a real scarcity of provisions 
and fuel at this inclement season is the cause that 
our prisoners are debarred from them, common 
humanity points out a mode, which is, to suffer 
them to go home under parole, not to serve 
during the war, or until an equal number are 
released by us. Most of the prisoners who have 
returned home have informed me they were 
offered better treatment provided they would 
enlist in your service.” 


BRITISH PRISONERS. 


115 


Three months after we joined Captain Hyler 
he made the following report to the American 
commander in Newburgh : 

‘‘A cartel lately carried one hundred and 
thirty -six prisoners from the prison-ships in New 
York to New London. Such was the condition 
in which these poor creatures were put aboard 
the cartel, that in the short run sixteen died on 
board ; and sixty, when they landed, were scarcely 
able to move, while the remainder were greatly 
emaciated. The greatest inhumanity was expe- 
rienced in a ship of which one Nelson, a Scotch- 
man, had the superintendence. Upwards of 
three hundred were confined at a time on board. 
There was but one small fireplace to cook the 
food of such a number. The allowance was, 
moreover, frequently delayed. In the short days 
of November and December it was not begun 
to be served till three o’clock. At sunset the 
fire was ordered to be quenched, therefore some 
had not their food dressed at all ; many were 
obliged to eat it half raw. No fiour, oatmeal, 
and things of like nature, suited to the condition 
of infirm people, were allowed to the many sick 
— nothing but ship-bread, beef and pork.” 

Ben Seabury, a lad from Flushing, succeeded 
in getting a letter to his people by throwing it 


116 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


overboard when a trading boat laid alongside, 
and in it he wrote with a pine stick and soot 
mixed with water : 

am now a prisoner on board the ship Fal- 
mouth, in New York harbor, a place the most 
dreadful ; we are confined so that we have not 
room even to lie down all at once to sleep. It is 
the most horrible hole that can be thought of. I 
was sick, and longed for some clear water while I 
lay unpitied at death’s door with a putrid fever, 
and though I had money I was not permitted to 
send for it. I offered repeatedly a hard dollar 
for a pint. The wretch who went backward and 
forward would not oblige me. I am just able to 
creep about. Four prisoners have escaped from 
this ship.” 

It was my purpose, when I began this sickening 
account of what our people suffered at the hands 
of the British, to set down the story of many 
poor fellows as I had the horrible tales from their 
own lips ; but such a record almost frightens me 
at this late day, although for many months I 
was in the midst of the terror. 

What is here related will suffice to show why 
we who remained at liberty were ready to risk 
life in the effort to aid our friends, and why the 
fear of capture was greater than that of death. 


BRITISH PRISONERS. 


117 


Surely the small portion of the picture I have 
here represented will be enough, and^-from this 
time out our motives at such times as we fought 
against the king, will be the bett^.understood. 

Now, having strayed so far from the story of 
what we Dunkels did while in the whale-boat 
navy, I will go back to that happy meg^ng with 
my parents after the Princess was steeling a 
course for Oyster Bay, having lost le^ than a 
single hour in accomplishing what wa$'feo dear to 
Zenas’ heart and mine. 

Moses told us, while father and mother were 
talking with Captain Hyler, all that had hap- 
pened after we left home, and the story ran much 
like this : 

Simon made a great ado about our having 
gone to join the American army, and spread the 
news from one end of the town to the other, with 
many embellishments of his own which, as may 
well be imagined, were very far from the truth. 
He lost no time in sending express to Colonel 
Emerick to lodge information against us, and 
also insisted that Captain Downes have an eye 
over our family lest they escape. 

Then, with all due authority, he impressed the 
sloop Princess, as Clem Parker had said, and 
came in pursuit of us to his cost. 


118 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


From the moment of his departure our home 
was closely watched, and even had its inmates 
been eager to do so, they could not have escaped 
from the town. But father had no idea of pleas- 
ing the Tories by trying to run away when he 
knew failure awaited the venture ; it was better, 
so he declared, to be made prisoner while in his 
own house and innocent of any crime against the 
king, than to be taken as a fugitive, when the 
fact of his trying to gain the American lines 
would give ample evidence against him. 

Therefore it was that our family remained 
quietly at home, suffering much agony of mind 
lest we should be captured by Simon and his com- 
panions, until this very morning when we had 
so opportunely come to their rescue. An hour 
before daylight Captain Downes and a squad of 
men entered the dwelling, and, without allowing 
our parents to take anything whatsoever from 
their home, marched them down to the landing, 
where they were bound and put on board the 
boat which was then being towed behind the 
Princess. 

Captain Downes, believing that all those who 
served the cause of liberty had followed the 
American army in its retreat, anticipated no 
difficulty in carrying his captives to New York, 


BRITISH PRISONERS. 


119 


and when they set out, he, never a whit ashamed 
of making prisoner of a woman, threatened all 
hands with the fate which awaited them at their 
journey’s end. 

The scoundrelly Tory amused himself with 
flinging at them, w^hile they were helpless, every 
abusive word which came to his tongue’s end, 
and had not ceased when the Princess hove in 
sight. 

He was certain Simon and his followers were 
yet in command of the sloop, and had returned 
successful, therefore, while approaching to offer 
congratulations to the cur who was supposed to 
have captured us, he amused himself by depict- 
ing our condition in jail, ashore or on hoard one 
of the filthy prison-ships. 

I promised myself, long before Moses’ story 
had come to an end, that I would repay in some 
slight degree Captain Downes for his insults, 
and directly my brother had finished his recital 
I went below to have a look at the prisoners. 

A more sorry lot of knaves I never saw. They 
had evidently given each other an account of 
their misadventures, and when I came upon them 
all hands looked around apprehensively, as if 
believing it was in my mind to make reprisals. 

Then I suddenly became ashamed of myself for 


120 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


having even so much as thought of abusing 
prisoners. That was a work with which an honest 
man would not soil either his hands or his con- 
science, and without so much as speaking I turned 
away, whereupon Simon asked sulkily if they were 
to have breakfast. 

‘‘ When we come to an end of this voyage you 
will be fed ; but until then you must content 
yourselves with the memory of last night’s sup- 
per,” I replied, finding it hard to keep my temper 
within bounds. 

Then we are to be starved,” he cried fiercely. 

In the British jails and ships American pris- 
oners are forced to live three days on what would 
suffice for a single meal, and it won’t do you and 
your following any harm if you do not smell food 
again until nightfall. As for Captain Downes, 
I reckon he ate heartily before setting out on the 
dangerous mission of capturing a woman who 
was ever ready to serve her neighbors to the best 
of her ability when they were in need.” 

With this fling, which must have cut if the 
Tory had anything in the shape of a heart, because 
less than a year previous my mother had nursed 
him while he lay ill with a fever, I went on deck 
again. 


OYSTER BAY. 


121 


CHAPTER VII. 

OYSTER BAY. 

As I went aft I found father at the tiller, and 
Captain Hyler talking earnestly with Moses and 
Zenas, whereupon, thinking they might have a 
secret which was not for me to share, I turned 
away, but the captain called out that he wished 
to speak with me. 

When I was come within earshot he said with 
a more hearty laugh than usual : 

‘^Your father and brother have cast in their 
lot with us, Amos, and I am just proposing that 
you four he detailed to one boat. The shallop 
we’ll carry away with us, if it so be we are not 
captured by Colonel Enierick’s men ; but she is too 
light a craft for our work, therefore we’ll leave 
her in a safe place later, and put you Dunkels in 
one of the whale-boats, detailing six others to 
make up the crew. Were you satisfied with 
Reuben and Elijah ? ” 

Reuben would make a good comrade ; but 
I’m not overly well pleased with Elijah’s display 


122 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


of courage,” I replied, not minded to say anything 
harsh against the timorous lad ; but determined 
that he should not be near at hand to interfere 
with plans of ours if words of mine could prevent 
it. 

I will see to it that you have companions who 
can match you for spirit. , When we have met 
the fleet, you Dunkels shall take your choice of 
boats, and, as a matter of course, your father will 
act as captain. He has been explaining to me 
the situation of the town, and Colonel Emerick’s 
quarters ; but much to my surprise, I learn that 
a guard-ship has been stationed at the mouth of 
the bay.” 

guard-ship!” I cried in astonishment. 
‘^When did she come ?” 

‘‘Yesterday, so we were told,” Moses replied. 

“ How large a craft might she be ? ” 

“A small schooner with a force of ten men.” 

I looked around at the throng which crowded 
the deck of the Princess till they were treading 
on each others’ heels, and Captain Hyler had 
another laughing spell. 

“ You are thinking that with a party like ours 
her crew would be of little value when it comes 
to stopping us, eh ? ” 

“There is in my mind something of the kind,” 


OYSTER BAY. 123 

I replied, wondering how he was able to read my 
thoughts so readily. 

‘‘You Dunkels are not lacking in courage,” the 
captain said in a tone of satisfaction, “ and to- 
gether we will have some brave doings before the 
bloody-backs are driven out of New York by 
General W ashington. I am not minded, however, 
to risk a squabble with the guard-ship before we 
have paid Colonel Ernerick a visit, lest he take 
alarm and leave town. After we have finished 
our business will be time enough to find out the 
disposition of those who would guard Oyster Bay 
from harm. It has been arranged, between your 
father and myself, that before the sloop rounds 
yonder point all the men save you four will go 
into the hold. Your mother is already in the 
after cuddy, and will remain there until we can 
leave her in a place of safety. You four will sail 
the Princess in, answering to the hail of the guard- 
ship, if she hails, and rely upon Simon Hunt’s 
pass to give you free entrance. ” 

As a matter of course I had no reply to make 
to this information ; the plan had been arranged 
with my father, and that was quite as much as 
I needed to know. 

“Does the program please you? ” he asked 
after a pause. 


124 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


Anything pleases me, sir, so long as we ac- 
complish what is set us to do. It can make but 
little difference whether I am agreeable to this 
or that plan of attack. 

That is where you mistake, lad,” the captain 
said heartily. “After you and Zenas have ac- 
complished so much, I’m disposed to look to you 
and yours for advice.” 

It goes without saying that such speech tickled 
my vanity, and I puffed myself up yet further 
by saying, as if I was an old hand at this work 
of making war against the king : 

“ It makes little difference whether we take the 
guard-ship before or after visiting the village, 
so far as I’m concerned, because it can be done 
equally well at any time.” 

“ That’s the kind of talk I like to hear. Lads 
who are confident a task can be accomplished, 
have already more than half succeeded. Sooner 
or later, as it suits our purpose, we’ll look after 
the guard-ship, and now it may be well to clear 
the decks. Your brothers will explain what part 
you four are to play once we arrive off the 
town.” 

While the captain was sending the men into 
the hold, and otherwise giving to the deck of the 
Princess a peaceful look, I asked Zenas if we 


OYSTER BAY. 


125 


were to take any very important part in this cap- 
ture of the Britisher. 

‘‘We four, together with about twenty others, 
are to make our way to Colonel Emerick’s head- 
quarters as rapidly as possible after getting 
ashore, paying no attention to whatever may be 
going on around us. The captain is to dispose 
of the other men in such manner that they will 
guard us, or hold back any rush which may be 
made. We are to take the Britisher if possible, 
and hurry on board again immediately, leaving 
the captain’s party to do the most of the fighting 
until after our prisoner is in the hold.” 

“ Who will care for the sloop while we are 
ashore?” I asked, thinking that Simon Hunt 
might find opportunity during our absence to 
make his escape. 

“ It is agreed that four men should be able to 
hold the craft against an ordinary attack, for 
two swivels will be mounted in the bow, and 
with such weapons the Tories who would nat- 
urally be found in a town like Huntington, can 
be kept at a respectful distance.” 

There was no good reason why I should not 
believe that any four of our crew could take 
proper care of the prisoners in the hold, and yet 
I was to a certain degree disturbed in mind at 


126 AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

the thought of leaving Simon Hunt in the keep- 
ing of another. 

Although I was proud of having been selected 
as a member of the party which was to capture 
the Britisher, it would have pleased me better, 
just at that moment, had I been detailed to look 
after the sloop while the crew was ashore. 

However, I could have given no good reason 
why the prisoners would be more secure in my 
care rather than in another’s, and speedily I for- 
got my misgivings as we three lads discussed 
the proposed venture. 

We knew full well that it promised in the way 
of danger all the most greedy fire-eater could 
have desired. The people of Oyster Bay were, 
as a rule, Tories, and there was no doubt but 
that they would fiy to the aid of their king’s rep- 
resentative in such numbers that we could not 
safely set them down as less than twenty. The 
colonel would have certain subordinate officers and 
British or Hessian soldiers— say ten in all. In 
addition to these thirty enemies it was reasonable 
to suppose that a few raw recruits were lounging 
around the place, and we would most likely find 
our plans opposed by from thirty-five to forty 
men, every one of whom might prove himself as 
good in a scrimmage as either of us. 


OYSTER BAY. 


127 


When Captain Hyler, in laying his plans, had 
said we were not to take part in the fighting, he 
meant that we would give no heed to those out- 
side the colonel’s headquarters — meaning such 
citizens as might come to the rescue. We would 
have our hands full under any circumstances, 
and ours was decidedly the post of danger. By 
this last remark I am not belittling what the 
captain proposed to do ; his share of the work 
could not fail to he of the most importance, since 
upon him rested the responsibility of so handling 
his men in different portions of the town as to 
hold us free from outside interference. 

That which struck me as odd during this con- 
versation, was the fact that all us Dunkels had 
suddenly become such ardent Whigs. But for 
the many acts of cruelty and oppression by the 
king’s troops, we should have still been his 
majesty’s faithful subjects, whereas we were 
now as eagerly plotting against him as if we had 
been the founders of that association known as 
the Sons of Liberty. 

By the time the Princess was off the point 
from which a full view of Oyster Bay could be 
had. Captain Hyler’s work was done. Five men 
— us Dunkels and himself — were the only per- 
sons on deck, and while our weapons remained out 


128 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


of sight on the after-cuddy stairs, we were no more 
than peaceful citizens. 

When we sighted the guard-ship she was a 
mile or more away, standing across the bay, and 
I was beginning to think we might not be mo- 
lested while trying to enter, when she came 
about, firing a blank cartridge as signal for us to 
heave to. 

My father brought the Princess up into the 
wind, saying as he did so : 

''Have your pass ready to show, Amos. By 
attempting to run away we’d only succeed in 
bringing the schooner after us, which might be 
disagreeable when we began our work ashore. 

I smoothed out the bit of paper and stood ready 
to show it when these guardians of the bay 
should come alongside, which last could be safely 
and quickly done- while the water was so smooth. 

The document in itself was not much to look 
at, being only an ordinary sheet to which was 
affixed a seal sufficiently large to have answered 
for his majesty’s signature. I will copy the 
words from that same pass, which is at this in- 
stant lying before me : 


Flushing, November Uh, 1776. 
Permit the bearer thereof, Simon Hunt, and three compan- 
ions, to pass without hindrance to New York bay and vicin- 


OYSTER BAY. 


129 


ity, or until he shall have taken prisoners two lads, by name 
Dunkel, whom he pursues with my warrant, the same being 
seditious persons who are conspiring against the King. 

“Ephraim Downes, 

Captain in His Majesty’s Service, and, also. 
Justice of the Peace.” 

One of US must get out of sight,” I said, re- 
called to this fact as I idly re-read the pass. 
‘‘ This document refers to Simon Hunt and three 
companions, while we are five.” 

Without replying Captain Hyler disappeared 
down the ladder leading to the forward cuddy, 
and we were in trim to be overhauled by the king’s 
representatives, provided they did not push their 
investigations too far. In which last case it 
would become necessary to overpower them by 
fair means or foul, and take our chances on the 
alarm being given to Colonel Emerick. 

The good fortune which had attended Zenas 
and myself since we left our home did not desert 
us now. After a time, for she was a dull sailer, 
the schooner came alongside, and I tied the pass 
to the end of a boat-hook, holding it out as the 
craft came up, while Moses took her hawser lest 
she drift away while the paper was being in- 
spected. 

He who acted as captain wore the British naval 
uniform, and I felt certain the crew were all 
9 


130 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


strangers to the colonies, therefore we had little 
fear regarding the imposture which was being 
practised. 

The commander of the guard was in no wise 
suspicious. He glanced carelessly over the pass, 
and asked while handing it back to me : 

Why do you think those whom you seek may 
be in this bay ? ” 

‘‘Because we have already cruised near to Sandy 
Point without satisfaction, and have come to the 
conclusion that instead of trying to join the 
Americans in Jersey, they are making for Con- 
necticut. We hope, sir, that your coming here 
may have shut them in somewhere along 
shore.’’ 

“If they were in this vicinity when we ar- 
rived, I’ll answer for it they are here now, because 
never a craft has been allowed to go past us with- 
out showing the proper permission.” 

While the captain of the guard was talking, 
Moses let slip the hawser, and the distance be- 
tween the two vessels began to widen rapidly. 

Father brought the sloop around into the wind 
once more, and we headed for the lower end of 
the bay, the schooner standing off again toward 
the opposite shore. 

“ It was all very well for us to talk about cap- 


OYSTER BAY. 


131 


turing that guard-ship whenever we felt so dis- 
posed/’ I said to Zenas, while we watched the 
slowly-moving craft. Her crew are evidently 
of the kind to show plenty of fight, and more 
than one of us would stand good chance of stop- 
ping a British bullet.” 

‘‘I don’t want to be accused of showing the 
white feather,” my brother replied in a low tone ; 
‘^but as a matter of fact I hope Captain Hyler 
won’t take it into his head that it is necessary to 
get rid of yonder schooner, unless, perchance, we 
might manage to creep up on her in the night, 
when all hands could be taken by surprise.” 

I suddenly realized that we were not showing 
the most excellent sense by discussing the possi- 
bilities of an enterprise yet in the future, when 
we had not returned from the one in hand, and 
immediately went aft to enjoy the company of 
my father, from whom it seemed as if I had been 
separated many a long day. 

Not until the guard-ship was at such a distance 
astern that those on board could not make out 
what we might be about, did Captain Hyler set 
about the final preparations for the attack. 

The two whale-boats on deck were lowered into 
the water, thus giving us three staunch craft in 
which to effect a landing, and then the men were 


132 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


told off into three crews, with four left out of the 
count to keep ship during our absence. 

I noted with considerable dissatisfaction the 
fact that Elijah Cornwall was one of the squad 
which would remain in charge of the sloop, and 
but for the fear of getting myself disliked by his 
friends, I would have asked Captain Hyler to re- 
place him with some other of the crew, although 
I ran the chance of having a man even more 
timorous than he left in charge of the vessel. 

Two swivels were brought out of the hold and 
mounted in the bow, and a supply of ammunition 
sufficient for quite a battle was laid ready for use. 

Mother came on deck to talk with us boys ; but 
her conversation was confined to cautioning us 
to take good care of ourselves when the party 
went ashore, and I could not but laugh at the 
idea of a lad doing his best at carefulness while 
taking part in what might prove to be a regular 
battle. 

By the time we sighted Oyster Bay everything 
was arranged. Each man had a musket with 
plenty of powder and ball, and once more the 
captain repeated his idea of how the work might 
best be done. 

Nearer and nearer we approached to the town. 
The sun was nearly hidden behind the trees, and 


OYSTER BAY. 


133 


we knew that our task, if performed at all, must 
be done under cover of darkness, which was little 
to my liking. 

No apparent attention was paid to us until the 
Princess was within a quarter of a mile of the 
shore, and our people were clambering into the 
boats ready to cast off as soon as the anchor 
should be let go. Then two or three men came 
toward the shore, gazing for an instant in our 
direction, and moved slowly backward, as if un- 
decided whether we were friends or foes. 

I was already in the first whale-boat when the 
sloop swung around to her moorings. The re- 
mainder of the crew scrambled on board, and 
Captain Hyler said in a low tone as he took his 
station in the stern-sheets, addressing himself to 
the occupants of the other boats : 

^‘Hold steady, lads, when we are ashore, in 
order that we may march in proper fashion. 
Much mischief can be done if one strives to out- 
strip the other on the way to the British quarters.” 

By the time we reached the shore the loungers 
had made up their minds that our visit boded 
them no good, and with a loud cry of Whigs ! 
Whigs ! ” they took to their heels, bent on warn- 
ing the village. 

Captain Hyler did not allow himself to be 


134 : AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

hurried by the fact that we were discovered. 
Once the party had been landed he forced every 
man to stand in line until we were ready to set 
out, when he gave the order for the company 
commanded by my father to lead the way. 

W e marched in proper fashion, save, perhaps, * 
that we did not carry our weapons according to 
regulations, and with rapid stride. 

My heart beat loud and fast as we approached 
the building where I had been told that Colonel 
Emerick had his headquarters. I had never seen 
a gun discharged in anger, and was altogether 
uncertain as to how I might behave if we should 
be led up to a squad of soldiers who would open 
fire at the word of command. It seemed im- 
possible that I could show the white feather at 
such a time and while so many of my own people 
were near at hand ; but the thumping in my 
throat, and the faintness which suddenly came 
upon me, were much like signs of downright 
cowardice. 

Five minutes later, and I had no time to think 
of myself. 

We marched straight up to the building where 
was the recruiting office, and the Hessian who 
stook on guard at the door did not so much as 
turn his head when we approached. 


OYSTER BAY. 


135 


Then, when we were no more than thirty paces 
from the door, and I knew without looking around 
that the remainder of our company were forming 
a line to prevent the townspeople from taking 
a hand in the scrimmage. Lieutenant Colonel 
Emerick suddenly appeared in full uniform, as 
if he had come out for parade. 

So far as I could see, he was alone ; but he 
stood there so quiet and calm that I could not 
but admire him, Britisher though he was, and 
especially when he cried out to us as if we had 
been a portion of his own force : 

Halt ! What is the meaning of this array ? ’’ 

Just behind me I heard the report of a musket, 
and knew that the force led by the captain had 
at last come to blows. Then my heart was stirred 
by hearing my father say in the tone of one who is 
accustomed to speaking with military gentlemen : 

We have come for you, colonel, and our force 
is so large that you will do well to surrender 
peaceably.” 

The Hessian remained at his post like a statue, 
save that he was looking at us from the corner 
of his eye. 

‘‘Do you fancy that an officer in his majesty’s 
service will surrender to a squad of ragamuffins 
like you ?” Colonel Emerick cried, and then he 


136 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


opened the door of his quarters which had been 
shut behind him as he came out, but my father 
shouted : 

Eeady, lads ! Take aim ! But wait till I 
give the word for firing. Then make certain 
your bullets find their targets ! ” 

Two recruits — Tories from nearahout I judged 
— came on the threshold in response to a wave of 
the colonel’s hand, and I could have laughed, so 
great was my relief, for now it was certain we 
had surprised the Britisher without proper guard 
for one with as high a commission as his. 

Will you surrender, sir, or do you prefer that 
we carry away your lifeless body ? ” my father 
asked sharply. There must be no delay, give 
up your sword and cause the soldier to lay down 
his musket, or my men will fire ! ” 

The colonel was looking earnestly over our 
heads, at a place where our muskets were singing 
briskly, and I understood that he was trying to 
decide whether he might make a point by parley- 
ing with us. 

Father had much the same idea as came into 
my mind ; but he dared not turn his head lest the 
Britisher should in some way get the advantage. 
I do not believe a single man in our squad at- 
tempted to satisfy his curiosity as to what might 


OYSTER BAY. 


13 ? 

be taking place behind him. We knew that our 
share in the venture was to make a prisoner of 
the Britisher, and that we were not to meddle with 
any other portion of the business. 

‘^For the last time, sir, will you surrender ?” 
my father cried. ‘‘In five seconds I shall give 
the word to fire ! ’’ 

At this the two raw recruits made a sudden 
dash for the door, and in a twinkling had dis- 
appeared from view. 

The colonel glanced over our heads once more, 
and then, with an exclamation of rage and dis- 
appointment, he threw his sword toward us, at 
the same time saying something in a low tone to 
the Hessian. 

Immediately the soldier laid down his musket, 
and faced about as if no more than a piece of 
machinery. 

In obedience to orders Zenas and Moses stepped 
forward, ranging themselves either side the 
colonel, and the word was given to march toward 
the shore. 

Then it was that we saw the remainder of our 
company bravely holding their own against a 
dozen soldiers, two officers and a mob of towns- 
people, all of which explained why we had found 
the colonel with as small a headquarters’ guard* 


138 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


His men, as well as his staff, had probably been 
out drumming up recruits, and did not have 
time to rejoin their commander before we sur- 
rounded him. 

So far as could be seen the combatants were 
about even in numbers ; if anything the odds 
were slightly against our people, and I felt cer- 
tain they would be forced to retreat finally. 

The order given to our squad was to make for 
the sloop without delay after having secured the 
colonel ; but surely it was not necessary that 
twenty-four men should accompany two unarmed 
prisoners, when a single guard would have been 
sufficient to get them safely on board, and I said 
hurriedly to father : 

‘‘Would it not be well, despite Captain Hyler^s 
commands, to divide our company and aid those 
who are soon like to be sorely pressed ? If a 
dozen of us are added to them, there can be no 
doubt as to the result ? ” 

Instead of replying father motioned for twelve 
of our squad to follow me, and we set off on a 
smart run, cheering lustily. 

It was indeed a battle which was being waged. 
Already two of our men were down, but only 
wounded, and I noted with satisfaction that the 
enemy had suffered quite as much. 


OYSTER BAY. 139 

It was our sudden rush which turned the tide, 
when we were within ten paces of the others I 
gave the word to halt and fire, cautioning my 
followers to take careful aim, and the result was 
that the odds were suddenly changed in our 
favor. 

Understanding that it was necessary for us to 
reload. Captain Hyler gave the word for his 
men to push forward, and by the time the enemy 
had been forced back a few yards, my squad was 
ready for business. 

I never so much as thought of possible danger 
to myself when I ordered the lads forward, halted 
them, and gave the word for each fellow to take 
aim. 

We were within such short range that every 
one of my twelve muskets would have brought 
down its target, and this the Britishers and Tories 
knew as well as I did. 

In a twinkling the foremost of the enemy had 
flung down their weapons, and the victory was 
ours, at no greater expense than two wounded 
men. 

Captain Hyler was out for bigger game than 
Tories, and he gave little attention to the fellows 
who were actually groveling in fear before us. 
The two officers were ordered to march toward 


140 AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

the shore, and with them were sent six men as 
guards. 

Then orders were given that we take pos- 
session of all the money, arms and ammunition 
to be found, and the night was no more than 
come before we were marching down to the 
water’s edge, and in the distance were two boats 
putting off with our prisoners. 

At this instant I chanced to look behind me, 
and there, standing in the midst of the terrified 
townspeople, as if giving them good advice, was 
a lad who bore a most striking likeness to Simon 
Hunt. 

Involuntarily I wheeled about, and then came 
the thought that it could not be him, for surely he 
was a prisoner on board the Princess. I must 
have been deceived, as I well might be in the 
gloom, and contented myself by saying to Zenas 
who marched at my side : 

There is a lad back there who bears a most 
amazing likeness to Simon Hunt.” 

And you were about to return, believing it 
was him,” Zenas replied with a laugh ; but before 
it was possible for me to say anything more. Cap- 
tain Hyler seized my hand, as he asked ; 

Was it your idea to lend us aid, or did your 
father send you ? ” 


OYSTER BAY. 


141 


The thought came into my mind that the cap- 
tain was minded to find fault because we had dis- 
obeyed his orders by leaving the prisoners, and I 
was resolved that the blame should lie where it 
rightfully belonged. 

I begged my father to let me go back with a 
dozen men, and surely no harm was done, for the 
remainder of our party could guard two unarmed 
prisoners.” 

‘‘Harm done, lad? I had just made up my 
mind that we must beat a retreat to the shore, 
and was only holding on until you had gotten 
your prizes on board before giving the word. 
You have done us a good turn, and I shall thank 
Nathan Pratt more than once for having sent 
you to me.” 

Now it was I wished I had held my tongue and 
allowed him to believe the return was an idea of 
father’s, instead of taking all the credit to my- 
self. 

However, the mischief had been done, and I am 
not to be blamed for feeling proud at being thus 
praised, for I knew full well that what we did 
was of greatest service to the captain’s party. 

The prisoners were all embarked before Zenas 
and I stepped into the last boat remaining near 
the landing, and once we were pulling toward 


142 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


the sloop I grew uneasy regarding the identity 
of that lad on shore who had so much the like- 
ness of Simon. 

Immediately I went over the rail of the Princess, 
and while some of the others were making sail, I 
rushed into the hold ; but it was so dark I found 
it necessary to return to the cuddy and light a 
lantern before I could assure myself that matters 
were as they should be. 

When I was equipped for an inspection of pris- 
oners the Princess was under way out of the 
harbor with a bone in her teeth, and I had good 
reason for believing that in two or three hours at 
the longest we would be within hail of the guard- 
ship. 

An instant later I was calling myself the great- 
est simple on Long Island because of having been 
so moderate in my movements after coming 
aboard, and also because I had not sufficient sense 
to go back at once when I saw the face which 
looked like Simon’s, in order to make certain to 
whom it belonged. 

One glance was sufficient to show me that two 
of the prisoners were missing— Simon Hunt and 
Micah Williams— and then I ran on deck in a 
fury of rage, coming face to face with Elijah 
Cornwall. 



I ran on deck in a fury of rage, coming face to face with Elijah Corn- 
wall.— Page 142. Amos Dunkel. 






■ 



OYSTER BAY. 


143 


What were you doing while we were ashore ? ” 
I asked, speaking as calmly as was possible. 

“Doing?” he repeated stupidly. “I wasn’t 
doing anything except keeping an eye on you 
fellows.” 

And that you did, instead of looking after the 
prisoners ! ” I cried, no longer able to hold my 
tongue in check. 

“The prisoners don’t need looking after,” he 
said, grinning like an idiot. “We were stationed 
here to defend the sloop if it so happened that 
you got the worst of the scrimmage, and how 
could we do our duty unless we kept watch on 
what was happening ashore ? ” 

The poor fool was speaking only the truth, and 
yet at the time I would not allow that he had a 
right to do other than keep the prisoners under 
his eye all the time. 

Even while I raged he failed to understand 
what I was driving at, and asked me why I was 
kicking up such a row over nothing. 

“We’ll see whether it’s nothing! ” I roared in 
such a tone that every word could be heard aft, 
where Captain Hyler and his prisoners stood. 
“You stayed here like stupids with hands in 
your pockets, and those who were in the hold 
walked off at their own sweet will I ” 


144 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


‘"Have they escaped?” he asked in blank 
amaze, and Captain Hyler came forward on the 
run, followed by father and Zenas. 

What has gone wrong ? ” the captain asked, 
laying his hand on my shoulder. 

While we were ashore, sir, Simon Hunt and 
Micah Williams quietly walked off, and those 
who were left in charge of the sloop knew noth- 
ing about it, or else knew too much,” I replied, 
so angry that I did not hesitate at implying that 
they might have aided in the escape. Had any 
of the others gotten away it would not have been 
quite so bad ; but Simon Hunt will devote his 
entire time to giving information concerning us, 
and it is probable that he has learned very much 
regarding your plans, for when our men were 
hidden in the hold no caution was given them 
against speaking in the presence of the pris- 
oners.” 

Captain Hyler looked quite as disturbed as I 
felt, and called sharply the name of each man 
who had been left on board to care for the ship, 
which led me to believe they would get a tongue- 
lashing if nothing more, while I walked away, 
thinking I had no right to listen to what the 
commander might say. 


THE RENDEZVOUS. 


145 


CHAPTER VIII. 

THE RENDEZVOUS. 

That the four stupids who kept such a poor 
watch over the prisoners that two could walk 
away, had a disagreeable ten minutes with 
Captain Hyler there was good reason to believe 
after seeing the expressions on their faces when 
the interview was come to an end ; but neither 
harsh words nor threats would bring back that 
villainous Tory, Simon Hunt. 

If the other three had succeeded in making 
their escape, leaving Simon behind, I would not 
have been so disturbed in mind, for he was capa- 
ble of working more mischief than all his com- 
panions together. I had no fear that the cur 
could lay any dangerous scheme against us out 
of his own head ; but with a force of Britishers at 
his back sufficiently large to allay his cowardice, 
and well acquainted with the inlets and bays on 
this portion of the shore, he might do us much 
mischief. 

However, it was taking too much on myself 

lO 


146 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


to display ill-temper when our commander was 
present to bear the responsibilities, and, after 
giving vent to my disappointment and anger 
privately in Zenas’ hearing, I did my best to put 
out of mind the apprehensions caused by the 
escape. 

The prisoners taken at Oyster Bay, presumably 
being gentlemen, were allowed the run of the 
sloop after having given their word of honor 
that they would make no attempt at escape, and 
we sailed out of the bay, steering boldly past the 
guard-ship as if indifferent whether we were 
brought to or allowed to hold our course. 

It was reasonable to suppose that we were 
bound for the rendezvous agreed upon by such 
portion of Captain Hyler's company as were 
bringing the whale-boats around the island ; but 
yet I could not believe we would thus betray our 
secret to the British officers. 

A few hours afterward I learned, as I had op- 
portunities of doing many times later, that our 
captain could be depended upon to keep his in- 
tentions to himself, and that it was the veriest 
folly for me to concern myself as to his possible 
carelessness in anything he might have in hand. 

Once we were well past the guard-ship Captain 
Hyler and my father, while Zenas stood at the 


THE RENDEZVOUS. 


147 


tiller, had a long confab together, after which 
our commander said to Colonel Emerick in a tone 
sufficiently loud for us all to hear : 

‘‘Doubtless you understand, sir, that we have 
not taken you prisoner from any personal motive. 
By such a step as that which we have just taken, 
I count on being able to release many of my coun- 
trymen who are now in the hands of the British.” 

“ It is an exchange you propose to make ! ” the 
officer cried, his face lighting up as if the an- 
nouncement afforded him considerable relief of 
mind. 

“ That is exactly it, sir.” 

“ On what terms ? ” 

“ Twenty of our men for yourself, and fifteen 
for each of your officers. It is the same exchange 
as had been proposed by Howe, therefore you 
will see that we are not disposed to drive any hard 
bargain even though having come so far to 
get possession.” 

“When will you send word into the British 
lines ? ” Colonel Emerick asked, looking decidedly 
relieved at the idea that he would not probably be 
forced to remain a prisoner in close quarters 
many days. 

“ As soon as all the arrangements between us 
have been made, sir. We also have on board one 


148 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


Downes, of Flushing, who claims to hold a com- 
mission as captain from the British king. Is it 
your wish to include him in the negotiations 
which will be opened ? ” 

The colonel hesitated as a frown came over his 
face, and I concluded that he was not overbur- 
dened with love for the Flushing justice of peace. 

‘‘How do you propose to exchange him he 
asked after a pause. 

“ Inasmuch as he is a Tory as well as British 
officer, I have set him down as worth, in such an 
exchange, twenty-five of our men, and I put the 
price high, because I have many on board who 
believe he should be hanged ’’ 

“Eemember, sir, that General Howe can hang 
men in reprisal ! ” 

“He is already starving and shooting them, in 
addition to hanging ; it is the general, not I, who 
sets the fashion in executing prisoners,” Captain 
Hyler replied calmly, and it was plain to be seen 
that the conversation was taking a turn not ex- 
actly to the colonel’s liking, for he said quickly, 
as if to change the subject : 

“I suppose it is no more than right that Mr. 
Downes should be included in the proposition, 
although I question if General Howe will consider 
that he is worth more in exchange than a lieu- 


THE RENDEZVOUS. 149 

tenant-colonel. His commission as captain was 
intended rather as a compliment, I fancy.” 

‘‘If your people don’t want the sneak, we will 
see to it he is given the same treatment as that 
which he has dealt out to others.” 

“How will you send word to New York ? ” the 
colonel asked, giving no heed to this implied 
threat. 

“I have a man who was captured while in 
Captain Downes’ company. You shall write a 
pass which will fully protect the boat’s crew sent 
with him, and an exchange can be made at the 
outermost point of Eton’s Neck, where I will con- 
duct you when a sufficient number of our men 
have been sent in exchange.” 

“ And when may this man of whom you speak 
be sent out ? ” 

“ Whenever you have prepared a message and 
written a pass. We will stand off and on nearr 
about until the boat is under way. It may be 
well that you appoint the fourth day from this 
as the time when we will be at the rendezvous. 
If your friends fail to appear, I will see to it that 
you are at the same place on the second day 
thereafter.” 

Colonel Emerick took some paper from his 
pocket, and, using the top of the cuddy for a 


150 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


writing table, began his letter ; but Captain Hyler 
interrupted him by saying : 

Here is a list of names from which the 
prisoners sent in exchange must be selected.” 

He extended an official-looking document which 
the Britisher glanced over hurriedly, afterward 
saying in a tone of irritation : 

“You are asking the impossible, sir. It isn’t 
to be expected that General Howe can seek out 
these particular people from among the many 
prisoners in New York.” 

“ Then we shall have the pleasure of your 
company longer than I had anticipated.” 

“But think of what you ask!” the colonel 
cried, biting his lip to keep anger within bounds. 
“It would be a most stupendous task to find 
each of these persons while the prisoners are dis- 
tributed in so many places.” 

“ On the contrary. Those names which have a 
cross set down against them will be found in the 
prison-ship Jersey ; the others are, or were a 
week ago, in the new Bridewell.” 

The Britisher made no further comment ; but 
began once more to write, and the task was such 
a long one that the Princess was hove to lest we 
should get so far off our course as to necessitate 
great loss of time in returning. 


THE RENDEZVOUS. 


151 


Captain Hyler took good care to read the letter, 
addressed to General Howe, and the pass, before 
he sent below for the man we had taken from 
Captain Downes’ boat. 

Then, in order that there might be no secret 
communication between the officers and the mes- 
senger, the former were sent into the forward 
cuddy until the boat had started. 

A crew of four men were told off to escort the 
prisoner to the British lines, and I was well con- 
tent at not hearing the name of Dunkel on the 
list, for all of my father’s sons would have been 
disgruntled had any one or more of us been sent 
away before arrangements were made for the 
safety of our mother. 

Captain Downes’ man appeared to be rejoiced 
at thus being given partial liberty, and on looking 
back after the boat had pushed off from the 
Princess he was grinning like an ape. 

Colonel Emerick and his companions were 
allowed to come out of the cabin once the mes- 
senger had departed, and then the sloop was 
hauled around on a course for the rendezvous 
which had been agreed upon between our com- 
mander and the men who were sailing the fleet 
around the island. 

Smithtown Bay, near the inlet, was the place 


152 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


decided upon, and our captain believed, because 
of the steady winds, that at least a portion of his 
men would be there by the time we arrived. 

In this, however, he was disappointed. Not a 
craft could be seen when we stood off and on 
near the inlet, and then, much to my surprise, 
the sloop was headed for the Connecticut shore. 

‘^Captain Hyler has consented to put your 
mother ashore at Greenwich Point,” father said 
to me a few moments later, and I was nigh to 
crying out in surprise, for I had not counted it 
as possible that she would be sent so far from 
us. 

We have a friend there of whom you have 
heard us speak — Thomas Page. With his family 
your mother will be safe from Tories and 
Britishers alike, although mayhap we shall not 
be able to see her often. There are hard blows to 
be de^lt and received, and it is.our duty to make 
certain she will not be exposed to danger.” 

It goes without saying that I was well pleased 
at knowing my mother would be in a place of 
safety : but nevertheless I was disappointed 
because it would not be possible for us lads to visit 
her whenever our duties permitted. I hid my 
feelings, however, when, at about midnight, we 
set her ashore in one of the boats, and did my best 


THE RENDEZVOUS. 153 

to give a cheery ring to my voice as I bade her 
good-by. 

An hour later the Princess was under way once 
more, heading for Smithtown Bay, and I turned 
in, hoping sleep would speedily come to soothe my 
grief at the recent parting. 

The side of a plank is anything rather than a 
rest-inviting bed ; but my body was so weary that 
slumber soon brought its sweet unconsciousness, 
and not until the Princess had come to an an- 
chor off the inlet did I awaken to the realization 
that I was a rebel, proscribed by the representa- 
tives of the king, and likely to have a taste of 
prison life whenever we should meet with such 
force of the enemy as would be able to overpower 
us. 

Three of the whale-boats sent around from 
Earitan Bay had arrived, and the others were 
already in sight, therefore much work was ex- 
pected from all hands as we came to understand, 
when, the prisoners being kept in the hold or the 
forward cuddy where nothing on the shore could 
be seen by them. Captain Hyler announced it as 
his purpose to make at this place such a shelter 
as would be necessary in case we needed a tem- 
porary dwelling. 

As Zenas and I understood the plans, hearing a 


154 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


little here and there, it was our commander’s in- 
tention to divide the fleet into small squadrons, 
in order that we might strike three or four blows 
at the same time, and q uarters on shore would be 
needed. 

The first move was to send one of the boats with 
a crew of eight men across the sound-for a supply 
of provisions. Twenty were detailed to build 
houses, or, perhaps, huts would be the proper 
word, and yet another boat’s crew was assigned 
to the duty of Ashing. 

I no longer paid any heed to the care of our 
prisoners. The four lads under command of 
Elijah Cornwall, who had performed the task so 
ill while we were in Oyster Bay, were continued 
in the office of jailers, and since Simon Hunt had 
given us the slip it was no longer any particular 
affair of mine whether they were held securely, 
or given an opportunity to escape. 

The thought constantly in my mind was that 
we would one day And ourselves in a fine pickle 
because of that villainous cur who had taken it 
upon himself to lodge information with the king’s 
officers against the Dunkels, and while I did not 
believe he would succeed in working any serious 
mischief, I felt positive much trouble would be 
the result of his efforts. 


THE RENDEZVOUS. 


155 


The spot selected by Captain Hyler as our en- 
campment during the cold winter months now so 
near at hand, was within a quarter of a mile of 
the shore, and on a slight elevation, from which 
could be had a good view of the bay. Four log 
huts were to be put up— two small ones for a 
prison and a kitchen, and two large buildings in 
which we might find shelter from the weather. 

Such plans as these required considerable labor, 
and during two days all hands of us, save the 
guard on board the sloop, were toiling like bea- 
vers at felling trees, squaring timbers and setting 
posts. 

Then was come the time when it became neces- 
sary to set out to meet those who had escorted 
the messenger to New York, for our commander 
did not count on letting the British know the 
whereabouts of our rendezvous, and to my great 
delight all the Dunkels were told off as members 
of the sloop’s crew. 

It was not. because of indolence that I rejoiced 
at being afloat, for if the cause of liberty demand- 
ed that I work at building huts I could perform 
the task day in and day out with never a mur- 
mur ; but what I wanted most of all was to be on 
active service, and, with such a commander as 
Captain Hyler, I had no doubt but that the Prin- 


156 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


cess would be well in the front whenever anything 
of moment was going on. 

There is no good reason why I should give all 
the details of that journey which resulted in the 
release of fifty men, young and old, whose crimes 
in the eyes of the British consisted in their taking 
up arms in defense of their country, their homes 
and their loved ones. More than half this number 
came from the prison-ship Jersey, and it is beyond 
my power to picture the condition of the poor fel- 
lows when we received them on board. They were 
half clad, and such poor garments as remained 
to them hung in rags about their wasted limbs ; 
starvation and sickness had brought them to such 
weakness that the majority had not strength to 
clamber over the rail of the Princess ; but were 
lifted up like children by our fellows. 

W e had, by agreement made with Colonel Emer- 
ick’s messenger, met the schooner which had been 
transformed into a cartel, at a point midway be- 
tween New York and Oyster Bay, and there the 
three officers left us ; but Captain Downes’ re- 
mained on board to his great fear and grief. 
Those appointed by General Howe to arrange for 
the exchange refused to make any offer for the 
liberty of the worthy justice of the peace from 
Flushing, declaring that his name was not on the 


THE RENDEZVOUS. 157 

army list, therefore he was not recognized as a 
member of the king’s forces. 

He was afterward taken to the rendezvous on 
Smithtown Bay, and there forced to perform his 
share of the labor necessary to put into shape our 
encampment. 

I do not propose to make any extended mention 
of the straits into which the American army had 
fallen by this time, although the tale might be 
more entertaining if it were possible to keep the 
reader in touch with all that was going on around 
us during those dark days when there appeared 
to be little hope that the colonists could hold out 
much longer against the king. 

New York evacuated and half the city des- 
troyed by fire ; Fort Washington taken from us, 
and three thousand noble men carried to New 
York to swell the list of deaths by starvation, 
sickness and the hangman’s noose ; Fort Lee 
evacuated, our troops being so hard pressed that 
they were forced to leave behind them cannon, 
tents, blankets and provisions, all of which were 
needed sorely by our brave soldiers ; General 
Charles Lee conspiring to wrest the command of 
our armies from General Washington, and while 
doing so neglecting to support the commander- 
in-chief, flatly refusing to obey orders ; and, 


l:8 AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

finally, our poor remnant of an army little better 
than fugitives in Pennsylvania. 

All these misfortunes and disasters were, or 
seemed to be, sufficient proof that the cause of 
liberty was well-nigh crushed, yet at this time 
when no light could be seen amid the dark 
clouds that hovered over us, Hyler’s whale-boat- 
men struggled on by themselves, supplying their 
own provisions and ammunition, without hope 
of wages, and concocting this scheme or that to 
strike a successful blow at the victorious enemy, 
believing there would be no reward save such as 
might be given by the Britishers in shape of a 
cell in jail, or a berth aboard some one of the 
many prison-ships. 

Before we returned to the rendezvous, after 
having delivered up the three officers in exchange 
for our half-starved countrymen, Captain Hyler 
sent two messengers out to make their way as 
could best be done to the American army, that 
General W ashington should be told of what we 
were doing, and also that we considered our- 
selves as under his command whenever the time 
came that we might be of service. 

I would have felt well pleased at being se- 
lected as one of these to visit the commander- 
in-chief ; but Captain Hyler had chosen his men 


THE RENDEZVOUS. 


159 


and sent them away before our company knew 
what was being done, therefore neither of us had 
an opportunity to volunteer for the dangerous 
service. 

We returned to Smith town Bay, and there 
found a veritable place of defense, the whale- 
boatmen having not only erected the buildings, 
but enclosed them with a stout stockade which 
would hold in check any ordinary body of the 
enemy save they might come against us with 
cannon. 

Captain Downes, Ben Seaman, and Clem Par- 
ker were lodged in the log jail, and the three 
Tories had reason to congratulate themselves 
that they were prisoners in the hands of Ameri- 
cans instead of the British, for we provided them 
with cleanly, fairly comfortable, quarters, and 
served out exactly the same rations as all hands 
enjoyed. 

The boat which had been sent to the Connecti- 
cut shore brought in a goodly supply of food, 
and, what was more to the purpose, a store 
of ammunition ; therefore we were prepared, if 
needs be, to sustain a siege of two weeks or 
more. 

Our men had also provided fuel in plenty, and 
it seemed as if, considering the fact that our 


160 AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

force was not recognized as legitimate by those 
sticklers at etiquette in military matters, we 
were having a reasonably easy time of it. 

We were allowed two days on shore in w^hich 
to take our comfort, and then Captain Hyler 
called together twelve of us for a private inter- 
view. 

It was nightfall when the word was whispered 
to me that the captain would speak confidentially 
with a certain number of us, and my heart beat 
quick with excitement, for I knew full well that 
such a summons would not have come unless 
there were some especial work to be done. 

We had been directed to go on board the Prin- 
cess, which craft lay just inside the inlet, and 
when I arrived Zenas and Moses were already 
there. At least three of us Dunkels had been 
chosen for the adventure, whatever it might 
prove to be, and I was even better satisfied than 
if my father had been present ; one of us might 
be killed without great loss to any one, but 
father’s life was too precious in my mother’s eyes 
to be lightly risked. 

‘‘ I’m not reckoning on beating about the bush, 
lads,” Captain Hyler said when twelve of us were 
gathered on the Princess’ deck. You know 
why we left New Brunswick to come here. It 


THE RENDEZVOUS. 


161 


was that we might the better be able to deal 
hard knocks to Britishers and Tories alike, in 
the hope thereby we could be of benefit to the 
Cause. There is much that can he done in the 
way of worrying our enemies, carrying off sup- 
plies, confiscating Tory property, and breaking 
up small bands of our enemies ; but I am not 
content to rest with that. You know I have 
sent messengers to General Washington, noti- 
fying him that this navy is at his disposal when- 
ever he can use it, and during the time we must 
wait for some word from him. I count on your 
doing that which will save at least a few good 
men from a cruel death.” 

Here he paused, as if to see what effect his 
words had on us, and I was all at sea regarding 
the drift of his speech. 

‘‘While we were near the city exchanging 
prisoners, the thought came to me that by a hold 
stroke some of those poor fellows on the prison- 
ships might be gotten away. In other words, it 
wouldn’t be such a difficult matter to aid them 
in breaking jail. I don’t pretend to say how it 
can be done, although I’m ready to discuss the 
matter with you if such a plan is decided upon. 
I have called you twelve, believing you are the 
pick of the company, and ask that you make the 


162 


AMOS DUNKEL, OAESMAN. 


attempt. If you do no more than rescue five of 
those brave fellows who are being starved or 
tortured to death, it will he a great achievement. 
While you are trying that game, the remainder 
of us will go here and there on the island, or per- 
haps nearer the city, and do our best at making 
it interesting for those who have done their 
share in filling up these same prison-ships.” 

I dare venture to say that not a fellow among 
us so much as dreamed of declining such a prop- 
osition ; every one was eager to set out on the 
venture, and yet the idea was so bold that we 
stood looking at each other in silence while one 
might have counted twenty, when Captain Hyler 
said in a tone of deep disappointment : 

''I had reckoned that you above all others of 
our company would jump at the opportunity ; 
but if it seems too venturesome, don’t hesitate 
to give words to the thought, and we will decide 
upon some other plan of worrying the Britishers.” 

It was Zenas who made answer, and I loved 
him more than ever because of the manly words 
he spoke : 

'' I think we are all ready, sir, yes, eager to do 
as you have proposed, and if I have not spoken 
before it was from the belief that you knew full 
well all which is in our hearts. For myself and 


THE RENDEZVOUS. 


163 


my brothers I promise to risk everything in the 
matter, and never to admit myself beaten until 
the enemy has me in his clutches.” 

Before he could say any more the remainder 
of the company were shouting and cheering at 
such a rate that the fellows in the stockade came 
running out as if believing the Britishers were 
making an attack. 

Captain Hyler had no further cause to fear we 
might be lukewarm in the business. 

‘ ^ I won’t say I really feared you would not be 
willing to make the venture,” he said, when the 
noisy ones were reduced to silence ; ‘ ^ but it was 
in my mind that you believed the task might be 
well-nigh impossible. However, since you have 
shown eagerness to be about the. work, let us 
consider it a little. Boats are permitted to go 
alongside the prison-ships to sell produce, and a 
number of small craft pull to and fro constantly. 
It seems to me as if, I cannot say exactly how, 
some communication might be had with the pris- 
oners, after which the matter will develop itself.” 

When are we to set out, sir ? ” Zenas asked. 

‘^In the morning if you wish. Three small 
boats would be better than two large ones, and 
likely to cause less suspicion, providing you do 
not sail in company. You Dunkels have the 


164 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


shallop ; I will send out a crew this evening to 
secure a couple of similar craft from the Tory 
gentlemen nearabout, and, by dint of much 
coaxing, we might persuade the 'worthy Captain 
Downes to give you passes. It is not likely that 
very many thereabouts know of his effort to get 
exchanged on the score of being a British officer, 
and a permit signed by him for you to trade near 
about Flushing would probably be honored by 
the majority of the king’s officers.” 

As he thus spoke I could see a dozen ways of 
effecting our purpose, and burned with the de- 
sire to put one or more of my newly and suddenly 
formed plans into execution. 

And so it was with all the others, as I speedily 
learned. In that short space of time every one 
of us had come to believe he knew exactly how 
to rescue a certain number of prisoners, and all 
were united in the belief that we should set off 
without delay. 

'‘I will go ashore to send a party in search of 
small boats, and also to learn what may be done 
by way of persuading Captain Downes into giving 
us safeguards. While I am absent you had best 
talk the matter over, with a view of deciding 
upon a course of action. I am not counting that 
you can lay your plans fully, for everything must 


THE RENDEZVOUS. 


165 


depend upon how you can gain the attention 
of those to be rescued ; but something can be 
mapped out to serve until your arrival upon the 
scene of action.” 

When we went over the rail every one attempted 
to make himself heard before his comrades could 
speak, and the result was a perfect babel of voices 
amid which not one word in ten could be dis- 
tinguished, unless it was spoken loud in your 
ear. 

Zenas gave over trying to speak until the others 
had howled themselves hoarse, and then, when a 
partial silence had come, he said quietly : 

It is Captain Hyler’s proposition that we 
divide this party into three boat-loads, each seem- 
ing to act independently of the other. Suppose 
we select the crews, and when that has been done, 
a captain for each boat should be chosen, after 
which I suggest that every crew have a scheme 
of its own. If, when we are arrived, it becomes 
necessary to act in concert, we can readily unite, 
and no harm will have been done because we 
were well supplied with plans.” 

This proposition met with the approbation of 
all, and in short order the crews were made up, 
us three Dunkels and Eeuben Jackson being to- 
gether in the shallop, an agreement which suited 


166 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


me very well, although perhaps we might have 
had with us some one of more courage than 
Eeuben. The lad, however, would do to the best 
of his ability whatever we mighty suggest, and 
that was more than could have been said of some 
of the company. 

We had ample time in which to discuss plans 
before Captain Hyler returned, for at the end of 
two hours he was still absent. We saw, about 
ten minutes after he went ashore, a boat put 
out from the inlet, and knew her crew had set 
off to find a couple of small craft. 

From what could be heard now and then, I 
judged that both the other parties were busily 
engaged trying to decide upon some definite 
course of action ; but we made no such attempt. 

Then we went aft, where it would be possible to 
speak privately, and Zenas said, talking only to 
his own crew : 

It is my belief that we cannot form any plan, 
no matter how hard we may try, for everything 
depends upon what may occur after we are near 
the prison-ships. I suggest that we spend some 
time collecting a load of eggs, butter and vege- 
tables before setting out, in order that we may 
have something which the Britishers will be eager 
to buy. With such a cargo not only the men, but 


THE RENDEZVOUS. 


167 


the officers of the ships, will he pleased to see us, 
and when we are alongside it is a case of taking 
the first chance of communicating with the pris- 
oners that presents itself.” 

I made bold to differ with him in a slight 
degree, and said : 

^‘In my opinion we should be prepared to take 
advantage of every opportunity. Now it may so 
happen that we might pass a letter to one of the 
prisoners, and yet not have any show to gain 
speech with him. I would make a short state- 
ment on paper to the effect that we have come to 
give them aid ; our boat and ourselves should be 
described, so that there will be no mistake, and 
they can seek a means of communicating with us. 
If both are thus working for the same end, we 
are more likely to come to a proper understand- 
ing. In case the letter cannot safely be delivered, 
then we will he none the worse for having written 
it, since we may destroy it quickly.” 

The idea is an exceeding good one, Amos. It 
shall be your duty to make ready such a letter ; 
Moses will look after provisions sufficient for four 
or five days ; I will raise some hard money with 
which to purchase our stock in trade, and Reuben 
is to make certain that the shallop is in proper 
condition.” 


168 AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

When all this was said our crew had nothing 
to do save await the return of Captain Hyler, and 
I amused myself by listening to those who fan- 
cied they could lay down a certain set of rules for 
their guidance which should insure the success 
of the venture. 

It was well on to ten o’clock in the evening be- 
fore Captain Hyler came on board, and then he 
said with a laugh peculiar to himself : 

“ I have arranged for the passes, lads, and each 
boat’s crew will have one by daylight. If you 
want to discuss any point with me, let us hear it 
now ; if not, we’ll turn in, for you have a hard 
day’s work before you after sunrise.” 

Our party will not take up your time, sir,” 
Zenas said as he went over the rail, and we who 
made up his crew followed him without having 
so much as elected a captain — there was no need 
of anything like that, since none was so well fitted 
to manage the adventure as Zenas himself. 


THE VENTURE. 


160 


CHAPTEE IX. 

THE VENTURE. 

I WAS the only member of our boat’s crew who 
had any task to perform on that night after we 
had decided to make an effort to release American 
prisoners confined in the prison-ships lying in or 
near Wallabout Bay, and my duty was to write 
such a letter as would, in case we might succeed 
in smuggling it on board, give information con- 
cerning our intentions. 

Surely that ought not to have been a difficult 
piece of work, and yet I spent half the night over 
it, trying to say much in few words, for the 
smaller the missive the more chances of getting 
it into the hands of those whom we would aid. 

Finally, after half a dozen attempts, I wrote the 
following : 

“A shallop, manned by four full-grown lads, 
will remain nearabout your vessel selling country 
produce to whomsoever may be allowed to buy. 
Two other boats are in the vicinity for the same 
purpose, which is to aid in the escape of so many 


170 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


as can contrive to elude the guards. Our shallop 
has a square patch of canvas nailed over the 
starboard bow near the gunwale. If possible, 
get word to us as to when we shall lay by to 
receive you. It would be wisest to set the first 
(doudy night for the venture. We are prepared 
to spend many days in such work, therefore do 
not take needless chances.” 

This was written on a small slip of paper, and 
I counted on folding the letter until it should be 
less than half the size of a bullet. How it might 
be delivered was a problem which could only be 
solved after we had arrived and taken due heed 
to the general situation. 

Then I proceeded to nail a square of canvas no 
larger than my two outstretched hands on that 
portion of the shallop of which I had spoken, and, 
this last done to my satisfaction, I laid down in 
the hut ashore by the side of Zenas, who was 
already sleeping soundly. 

Next morning at daybreak we were aroused by 
Captain Hyler, the latter presenting much the 
appearance of a man who has been working all 
night, and were told it would be well if we set off 
without delay. 

One of the other boats has just left,” he said 
hurriedly, as if believing every moment was pre* 


THE VENTURE. 171 

cious, ^^and the other will he under way before 
you are ready.’’ 

“ Then our men found the small boats they were 
sent in search of,” Zenas said as he arose in a 
leisurely fashion. 

‘‘ Two were brought in about midnight. I 
have here a pass for you, signed by Captain 
Downes ; but it lacks a seal, and may not be 
looked upon with any great degree of favor by 
the Britishers.” 

‘‘ Do you know what plans the other lads have 
formed ? ”* Zenas asked, making no display of 
baste in his movements. 

One crew counts on laying alongside the Fal- 
mouth, ready for an opportunity in case the pris- 
oners can slip overboard just at nightfall, for 
then there generally are a few of our people on 
deck for exercise.” 

‘‘ And the other boat ? ” 

Her crew will go ashore on Long Island, hold- 
ing themselves in readiness for whatever may 
turn up. How will you lads set to work ? ” 

‘‘We count first on buying a load of produce, 
if you and father can provide us with a sum of 
money, and may be forced to trade with the 
Britishers many days before an opportunity of 
getting word to the prisoners as to why we have 


AMOS DUNKEL, OAKSMAN. 

come presents itself. We don’t count on finishing 
our task in any very short time ; but when we 
come back here again, it will be with a boat-load 
of our people, or I’m much mistaken in the 
scheme.” 

‘‘The only objection to it is that there are 
hundreds of boats manned by Tories, who will be 
in the same business, ” Captain Hyler said mus- 
ingly. 

“Which will be so much the better for us. 
There is safety in numbers.” 

“ Aye, so that among them are none who might 
recognize you.” 

“ That risk we must take, yet I believe we’ll 
pull through with a fair amount of success.” 

“ So do I,” the captain said heartily. Up to 
this time no regular effort has been made to re- 
lease the prisoners, and the British are resting 
secure in the belief that we are so badly beaten 
as to prevent us from any such ventures. Now 
I will say to you much the same as I have to 
the others : You are embarked in this scheme 
independently of those who remain here. Do not 
think of what we may be doing ; in fact, give us 
no heed until your work is accomplished or has 
been proven a failure. W^e shall not be idle j I 
count on worrying the enemy in fine style; and 


THE VENTURE. 


173 


also on keeping up a supply of provisions sufficient 
for every emergency that may arise. Those whom 
we received in exchange for the British officers 
will be sent to their homes, unless it so chances 
that they wish to join us, and after that has been 
done our whale-boat navy will find work enough. 
Be prudent ; shun risks that are not warranted by 
a reasonable show of success, and, above all, keep 
secret this rendezvous of ours. You shall have 
money enough to buy a cargo of produce, for I 
will take it from the common fund.’’ 

This last was something of which I had never 
heard, and the captain explained that whenever 
it had been possible to despoil the Tories of their 
wealth, a full half of such booty had been set aside 
for the common good, therefore he had on hand 
quite a sum of hard cash. 

When we had eaten breakfast the commander 
handed Zenas a small bag containing silver coin, 
and father, who joined us as we were partaking 
of the morning meal, gave Moses a list of those 
nearabout from whom we could get supplies by 
explaining for what purpose they were wanted. 

There were no farewells spoken when we 
pushed the shallop into deep water and leaped on 
board. It is not well for one’s courage to indulge 
in too many words when about to set off on such 


174 AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

a venture as was ours. We knew that the 
slightest imprudence might cost us our lives, or, 
what was worse, under all the circumstances, our 
liberty, and the odds were against our ever coming 
back. 

Now lest I weary those who may read this 
tale, I shall pass over three days with but few 
words, for we spent that much time in getting 
our stock of provisions on board, and sailing down 
to Wallabout Bay. 

More than once while gathering produce did 
we try to persuade Zenas into going on even before 
we had a full cargo ; but he held out resolutely 
against us, simply repeating when we urged too 
strongly : 

“ We are running bigger risks, lads, than may- 
hap we shall ever be called upon to take again, 
and I do not propose to stand the chance of getting 
my neck into a British noose by making speed. 
Slow and sure, is my motto, and a few days spent 
now won’t deprive us of the opportunity, while 
by arriving before everything is in readiness^ we 
may be shut out forever from striking a blow 
against the enemy.” 

Because of my brothers’ good sense we did not 
steer for New York until the shallop was fully 
laden with produce, some of which we had 


THE VENTURE. 


175 


purchased with the captain’s money, but a large 
portion was contributed by those who were eager 
to do whatsoever they might toward relieving the 
distress of those poor fellows cooped up in the 
prison-ships. 

In event of being closely questioned we had 
agreed to tell the truth as nearly as might be 
reasonable. We would claim that we were not 
farmers ; but lads who had conceived the idea of 
turning an honest penny by buying produce and 
selling it to whomsoever would purchase at a fair 
profit. Such story would pave the way for a 
second or a third visit, if we failed at first and 
remained unsuspected. 

I flattered myself that no person would doubt 
our statements, for we looked our assumed parts, 
and the large assortment of goods told that we 
must have spent considerable time getting the 
cargo together. 

It was a cold, clear morning when we arrived 
off Wallabout Bay and pulled slowly in, almost 
expecting to be brought up with a sharp command, 
or, perhaps, a bullet from some one of the many 
craft which seemed to cover ail the good anchor- 
age of the harbor. 

We saw the Jersey and the Good Hope lying 
midway from the shore to an imaginary line 


176 AMOS DtJNK:EL, OARSMAN. 

drawn across the entrance of the hay, and on 
either side, but some considerable distance away, 
were the Falmouth, Prince of Wales, Scorpion, 
and Strombolo, besides many other craft such as 
transports, guard-boats, heavy scows and boats 
of all kinds fitted for oars, which appeared to 
have been brought to this place for repairs. 

Here and there along the shores were ship- 
wrights at w’ork patching or refitting a vessel of 
one kind or another, while loitering amid the 
workmen were redcoated soldiers who apparently 
acted as shore guard. There were many small 
buildings near at hand, each of which had been 
put to some use by the Britishers, and take it 
all in all, it was as busy a scene as I ever wit- 
nessed. 

‘‘ Surely we will be able to come and go as we 
please, for there are so many boats that the 
Britishers will not be able to keep watch over 
them all,” Reuben said with a sigh of relief, and 
my own heart was considerably lighter than it 
had been when I imagined we would find none 
save prison-ships in the bay. 

Zenas held the tiller while Moses and I were 
at the oars, and Reuben found a seat on the 
sacks of potatoes which were piled up in the 
bow. 


THE VENTURE. 


177 


All of us were gazing eagerly around, survey- 
ing the situation and calculating the chances of 
success. 

Suddenly, while I was watching keenly the 
moving figures on the Jersey’s deck, Zenas gave 
the word to cease rowing, and to my great sur- 
prise he had steered the shallop near a barge 
which had, in addition to the oarsmen, only a 
single officer on board. 

‘‘ I beg your pardon, sir,” he began politely ; 
‘^but can you tell me if it is permitted to sell 
such goods as we have here to those on board the 
ships?” 

‘^Address yourself to one of the captains in 
charge,” the redcoated officer replied, sweeping 
past us in fine style, and his men grinned as if 
they thought we were uncommonly green. 

Then Zenas steered boldly toward the Jersey, 
and as we neared her, I saw four young men 
pulling aimlessly to and fro around the bay. 

Look there ! ” I whispered eagerly to Moses. 
^^Do you not recognize them as some of our 
company ? ” 

^‘It is well not to use your eyes too freely,” 
my brother said reprovingly. ^ ^ If they recognized 
us I would not thank them for looking very long 

in our direction. In case we are strangers here, 
12 


1Y8 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


as will be represented, one boat should not attract 
our attention more than another.” 

I held my peace from that time forth, save 
when there was a good opportunity of speaking 
with Eeuben while the others were looking an- 
other way. Both my brothers were wiser and 
braver than myself, and I had no desire to let 
them see that I could be simple-minded while 
engaged in such a venture. 

Zenas steered boldly toward the Jersey, on 
whose deck we could see small squads of wretched 
prisoners pacing to and fro for exercise, and to 
breathe the fresh air, until we were brought up 
all standing by an order from the ship’s deck. 

A sergeant shouted gruffly as he stood on the 
rail near the gangway which extended down 
over her side to the water : 

Sheer off, you fellows in that boat ! ” 

There were already half a dozen or more small 
craft lying alongside the big ship, and Zenas 
pointed to them as he cried : 

Why shall we sheer off more than another? 
We have provisions to sell, and are not enemies 
of the king. Besides, an officer just told us to 
apply to the captain for permission to dispose of 
our wares.” 

You must have the permission before you 


THE VENTURE. I79 

can come alongside,” the sergeant persisted, 
waving us off with his hand. 

But how may that be obtained ? I’m willing 
to give a fat chicken to him who will show me 
the way to carry on trade.” 

The soldier pricked up his ears at this propo- 
sition, and asked in a more friendly tone : 

Where do you come from ? ” 

‘^Nearabout Whitestone.” 

Have you a pass from the shore authorities ? ” 

Aye, that I have, and from none less than 
Captain Downes himself, who is also a justice of 
the peace.” 

It evidently pleased the sergeant that Zenas 
spoke as if he believed a justice of the peace was 
of great consequence when there were officers of 
all grades from his majesty’s army in the vicinity; 
but the idea of getting a chicken to eke out his 
rations had great effect, for he said as he de- 
scended the gangway : 

Give me your pass, and I’ll see what may be 
done.” 

We pulled up to the landing stage, and Zenas 
handed over the bit of paper which had been 
wrung, most likely, from our prisoner by means 
of threats, presenting it with a flourish as if he 
believed it was an exceedingly valuable document. 


180 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


The sergeant laughed as he unfolded it ; but 
his mirth did not prevent him from trying to 
earn the chicken. 

He went leisurely up the gangway while we 
remained alongside the landing stage, and my 
heart beat so vigorously because of the fear which 
came over me, that I almost feared he might 
hear the noise. 

Our pass, which bore neither seal nor any token 
of the writer’s office, would be scrutinized by an 
officer who was probably on the alert for such a 
trick as we were trying to play, and it seemed to 
me certain we would be taken prisoners without 
parley. 

We were setting about our work boldly, which 
perhaps was the best way ; but it insured our 
speedy downfall if the plan went awry. 

I did not dare to so much as raise my eyes ; but 
kept them fixed on the gunwale of the shallop. 
Straining my ears for the first sound which 
should proclaim that Our true character had been 
discovered, while Zenas and Moses spoke of this 
or that, gazing around curiously meanwhile as if 
there was no question but that our pass would be 
accepted as being in due form. 

Had I been sent on this mission in charge of a 
party, then of a surety should I have retreated at 



“ Where's the chicken ?” the sergeant asked as he appeared once more, with 
the paper in his hand. — Page 181. Amos DunkeL 





THE VENTURE. 


181 


this moment ; but, as I have said many times be- 
fore, my brothers were quick-witted and brave 
as lions, therefore it was that we succeeded in 
our first attempt at establishing relations with 
the crew and guard of the prison-ship. 

Where’s the chicken ? ” the sergeant asked as 
he appeared once more, with the paper in his hand. 

‘^Have we permission to trade here?” Zenas 
asked as he selected a plump-looking fowl from a 
dozen or more we carried under the after thwart. 

Here it is,” and the sergeant handed my 
brother the pass which had been made out by 
Captain Downes. Across the face of it was 
written in bold letters : 

The parties herein named have permission to trade with 
this ship. 

“Gleason, Lieut., H.M.S. Jersey.” 

I came near gasping with surprise and joy 
as Zenas, after delivering the chicken, pro- 
ceeded to make our shallop fast to the landing 
stage. It seemed almost impossible that we 
could have succeeded in our mission so far as to 
be free to come and go at pleasure. I had be- 
lieved that this portion of our task would be the 
most difficult of accomplishment, and yet it was 
done without loss of time and at trifling expense. 

The sergeant explained that we would be at 


182 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


liberty to remain where we then were, provided 
our boat did not occupy a place which might be 
required by official visitors, in which case we 
must shift our moorings without delay. We 
would not be allowed to go on deck, unless sum- 
moned by some officer of the ship, and our cus- 
tomers would come down to us. 

‘^Is that the way of it?” Zenas said, and 
from his tone one would have supposed that he 
was nearly overcome by disappointment. We 
were told that a good deal of profitable trade 
could be carried on with the prisoners. It stands 
to reason that they, who cannot go on shore, 
would be willing to pay high prices.” 

‘Wou’ll be given a show at them, although 
some one of the guard must aid in the trading,” 
the sergeant replied with a wink of ’the eye. 
‘‘Whenever a squad comes on deck the Yankees 
may, if those who are charged with the duty of 
keeping them in check are willing to take the 
trouble, do a bit of business with you ; but there’s 
considerable extra work for us who are thus 
forced to run back and forth.” 

“Is it true that the prisoners have money?” 
Zenas asked eagerly. 

“Aye, some of them are provided with hard 
cash.” 


THE VENTURE. 


183 


And we may charge them a stiff price 

The sergeant laughed heartily as he replied : 

So that you make it to our interest, the price 
can be fixed as you please.” 

‘^Then hark you, Mr. Officer,” Zenas said con- 
fidentially. you will stand with us, a full 

quarter of all the money we receive from the pris- 
oners in the course of trading shall he handed 
over to you. It appears to me that, if we count 
on turning an honest penny, it is necessary to 
have a friend at court.” 

‘‘You shall have one in me, lad,” the sergeant 
said, glancing quickly around to make certain 
the bargain had not been overheard by any of his 
comrades. “ What is more. I’ll turn over to you 
all the trade which comes my way, and that 
will amount to considerable on such days as I 
am doing guard duty.” 

“Then we’ll call it a deal ! ” Zenas cried as if 
overjoyed, and I was almost frightened because 
our plan was working so smoothly. It seemed 
certain we must finally have bad luck if the 
venture began so well. 

The sergeant went up the gangway, hiding the 
chicken under his coat lest it be seen by his 
messmates and he be forced to share with 
others, while Zenas ordered us who represented 


184 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


the crew, to get our produce out so that it 
might readily he seen. 

Had we really been the close-fisted traders our 
bargaining gave token of, we could not have set 
to work with a better will. After overhauling 
the stock in trade hastily, we made a most tempt- 
ing display of the wares, and it saddened me as I 
realized that many a poor, half-starved fellow 
who was without money would gaze at the provi- 
sions eagerly and vainly, while we were forced to 
close our hearts against his longing looks in order 
to sustain the character we had given ourselves. 

Not a word did we dare to exchange with 
each other, for the sergeant was watching us 
closely in order to earn the commission which had 
been promised him ; but I contrived to take from 
its hiding-place the letter we counted on sending 
aboard, in order that it might be in readiness 
whenever an opportunity presented itself. 

Thanks to the zeal of the sergeant, we had no 
lack of customers once we were ready for busi- 
ness. He called the attention of some prisoners 
who were pacing to and fro on the deck, and an- 
nounced that he was ready to act as go-between 
for any who had hard money with which to pur- 
chase goods. 

It cut me to the heart to hear Zenas bargain- 


THE VENTURE. 


185 


ing with those unfortunates who hungered for 
our wares and yet dared not part with all the 
money in their possession ; but we could not do 
less than insist on receiving twice what the goods 
were worth, else, by arousing suspicions, our per- 
mit to trade would have been taken from us. 

Business was not so brisk but that two of our 
•:rew could attend to it comfortably, and as Moses 
insisted on performing his full share, Eeuben 
and I had little to do save watch the proceed- 
ings. 

Whenever one of the hungry squad which 
overhung the rail had made a purchase, the ser- 
geant came down the gangway for it with the 
money in his hand, and after this had been done 
again and again I began to despair of being 
able to send my letter on board. 

Then, after half an hour had passed, this lot of 
prisoners were sent below that another squad 
might be brought up, and during the lull I hit 
upon a plan which would either serve our pur- 
pose, or insure the death of all four by the hang- 
man’s noose. 

The sergeant had disappeared while the Ameri- 
cans were going below and others coming up to 
take their places. There were none of the 
Britishers in sight from where we lay, and. 


186 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


attracting the attention of my companions, I 
held up a potato and the folded letter, motioning 
that I would conceal the paper within the veg- 
etable. 

Both Zenas and Moses readily understood what 
I would do, and the former nodded his head in 
token that I might attempt to play the dangerous 
game. 

Selecting one of the largest potatoes, I cut into 
it deeply, taking out a round piece nearly an inch 
in diameter. This left an aperture sufficiently 
large to insert the letter, and then, cutting off 
the inner end of the portion I had extracted, the 
remainder was put back after the fashion of a 
plug. Unless held in the hand, it would he diffi- 
cult to distinguish that one from another which 
had not been thus prepared. 

After the sergeant called the attention of this 
second squad to our boat, all the unfortunates 
crowded to the rail, and I was like to have cried 
out in surprise, for, on looking up I saw Abel 
Cummings, a lad from Flushing who had joined 
the rebel army two weeks before the battle of 
Brooklyn. 

When he left home my brothers and I had been 
counted as Tories, therefore he had no reason to 
greet us as friends, and fortunate it was for us 


THE VENTURE. 


187 


that in his eyes we were enemies, otherwise 
something might have been said to prevent my 
plan from being carried out. 

This second squad were better supplied with 
money than the first we had waited upon, and 
the sergeant was busy running up and down the 
gangway, much to his delight, for he kept strict 
account of all the business done. 

While the Britisher was thus engaged I 
watched my chance, and, catching AbeFs eye 
when none were observing us. I pointed to the 
potato I had prepared, winking as I did so. 

A look of surprise came over his face, and I 
knew he was astonished that a Tory should thus 
appear friendly ; but, after struggling with the 
problem a few seconds, he seemed to suspect my 
real purpose, for he nodded his head slightly to 
show that he understood it was our intention to 
get that particular potato into his possession. 

Now I must have failed in my work had not 
Zenas been keener of wit than the majority of 
lads, for it was forbidden that we pass anything 
to the prisoners save by the sergeant's hand. 

My brother, who had already recognized Abel, 
set about giving me the opportunity I desired, 
and succeeded as only he could have done. 

When such of the prisoners as were possessed 


188 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


of money had made their purchases, and business 
had slackened, Zenas said in a low tone to the 
sergeant : 

‘‘We have taken in more cash so far than I 
expected to get after working a full day. Your 
share, as I reckon it, cannot be less than twenty 
shillings.” 

“Twenty-one,” the Britisher replied quickly, 
thus showing how carefully he had watched us. 

“ I will count the cash to make certain, for it 
was only eight shillings we had taken according 
to the figuring which I made while we were dis- 
posing of the goods. You shall have the full 
amount promised, for this is too profitable a trade 
to be spoiled by haggling with a friend. We 
should have even a better day to-morrow, after 
all the Whigs between decks know that we’ve got 
a goodly supply of produce.” 

“Aye, that you will, lad ; but it must come to 
an end for to-day, unless you are minded to con- 
tinue without me. I shall be off duty when this 
squad is sent below.” 

“Then we’ll go ashore and replenish our stock. 
I’m not content to let another share in this trade. 
When will you be on duty again ? ” 

“From sunrise to-morrow, until about this 
time,” the sergeant replied, appearing well satis- 


THE VENTURE. 189 

fied because Zenas did not count upon carrying 
on the trade without him. 

‘‘ Toss up a few potatoes to those fellows who 
haven’t been able to buy anything,” Zenas said 
to us three who were under his command. Then 
turning to the sergeant, he added, ‘‘it won’t do 
any harm if we give away a few pennies’ worth, 
and those who thus receive something for nothing 
will tell the others, so that we are likely to get 
the biggest portion of the trade. These Yankees 
will buy more liberally of him who throws in a 
bit now and 'then.” 

The Britisher knew that he was exceeding his 
power in thus allowing us to pass anything directly 
to the prisoners ; but while he spoke Zenas had 
taken from his pocket the silver received in ex- 
change for the goods, as if about to divide it, 
and the sergeant was more concerned lest he 
should be defrauded of his just portion, than in 
obeying orders. 

Eeuben and I did not wait many seconds be- 
fore carrying out the proposition. He tossed a 
potato first to one and then another who had 
been hungrily watching us, and I, holding that 
one in which was concealed the letter, waited the 
opportunity to throw it into Abel’s hands. 

He was on the alert, and, bending over to make 


190 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


certain of catching it, gave me the chance I so 
ardently desired. 

The potato was safely delivered into his hands 
and I saw him hastily thrust it in his pocket. 

^ Then I tossed up a dozen more to the others, 
and it cut me to the heart as I saw some of the 
more nearly famished ones begin to eat the prize 
greedily, unwilling to wait until it could be 
cooked. 

By this time Zenas had finished his business 
with the sergeant, having paid over to him twenty- 
one shillings, and I was near to being choked 
with joy that for so small a sum of money we had 
gained our purpose within four hours after mak- 
ing the attempt. 

There was little probability now that my trick 
would be discovered by the Britishers, for if Abel 
was as quick-witted as he gave evidence of being, 
that particular potato would not be taken from 
his pocket until he was where none might see 
him. 

Zenas was profuse in his words of gratitude to- 
ward the sergeant, and the latter was so eager to 
add to his commissions that he urged us warmly 
to be alongside early next morning. 

‘‘The first who come get the cream of the 
trade,’’ he said with a laugh, and Zenas replied : 


THE VENTURE. 


191 


Then we’ll skim the business in great shape 
to-morrow.” 

The prisoners had disappeared when we pulled 
away from the landing stage, a full half of our 
produce having been sold, and I quivering with 
delight because of my share in carrying out our 
scheme, for it is to be borne in mind that I alone 
conceived the idea of thus sending the letter on 
board. 

When we were fifty yards from the prison-ship 
I would have given vent to my satisfaction, but 
Zenas said sharply : 

Not a word, Amos. We must not do more 
than think just now. After we have come to a 
place where we can spend the night, then will be 
the time to talk.” 

And where are we likely to tie up ? ” Eeuben 
asked. 

That is what remains to be decided. First, 
however, it is necessary that we try to purchase 
more goods for to-morrow’s trade, and I’m think- 
ing that it won’t be a bad idea to run over to New 
York, now we’ve got a safeguard from the lieu- 
tenant of the Jersey as well as Captain Downes. 
It is likely that in the city we will be able, by 
paying extravagant prices, to buy what we need. ” 

I was almost paralyzed with fear and astonish- 


192 AMOS DIINKEL, OAHSMAN. 

ment at Zenas’ audacity. Not satisfied with hav- 
ing done so much toward accomplishing the task 
set us by Captain Hyler, he counted on going 
directly into the lion’s den, and this was not to 
my liking. 

''There’s no sense in tempting fortune,” I said 
impatiently. ‘‘ Why not let well enough alone, 
and hide ourselves during the remainder of the 
day ? ” 

"If any of the Britishers saw us skulking 
around the shore of the bay it might reasonably 
be asked why we were eager to keep out of sight, 
and I claim that we are taking less chances by 
going to the city as honest traders would be likely 
to do,” Zenas replied in the tone of one who will 
not brook contradiction, and I made no further 
attempt at dissuading him. 


A PERILOUS MOMENT. 


193 


CHAPTER X. 

A PERILOUS MOMENT. 

I FIRMLY believed that our unlooked-for success 
had of a verity turned Zenas’ head, otherwise 
he would not have entertained the dangerous 
idea of visiting the city where detection was pos- 
sible, and no real good could come of it. 

He had said that by hiding ourselves on the 
Long Island shore we would fall under suspicion 
in event of being seen ; but there was not one 
chance in an hundred that we should come across 
any one, while in the city of Xew York we must 
of a necessity meet many, and it was possible we 
might be seen by more than one Tory from Flush- 
ing, in which case we would have come to a speedy 
ending of our race. 

For a moment, as we were rowing toward the 
town, I had it in mind to argue with Zenas 
against his thus running all our noses into need- 
less danger, and after what I had accomplished 
for the good of my family since the morning of 
leaving Flushing, I had a right to express my 
opinion. 

13 


194 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


The words which might have led to hard feel- 
ings between us were trembling on the tip of my 
tongue, when there came into mind an old saying 
of father’s, which is as follows : 

A poor plan well carried out is better than a 
dozen good ones half executed.” 

Zenas had begun well ; it was his plan that we 
really turn traders, and he it was who had es- 
tablished such a footing for us with those of the 
Jersey that we were free to come and go at our 
pleasure, therefore the lad’s scheme should go as 
he figured it, even though we came to grief in 
the effort. 

I held my peace, resolved not to interfere with 
anything he might attempt, and the result showed 
that I was wise in so doing, although before our 
task came to an end it seemed certain the road 
we were on led straight to the gallows. 

Even when we were at such a distance from 
W allabout Bay that it was impossible any person 
could overhear our words, Zenas refused to speak 
concerning our real intentions^ alleging as a 
reason for silence on such a point that if we held 
our tongues while alone, we would be less likely 
to let fall any incautious words when others were 
near at hand. 

“We may hug ourselves for having done more 


A PERILOUS MOMENT. 


195 


than could have been reasonably expected ; but 
to crow while we are yet in the woods is poor 
taste/’ he said grimly. 

“We can at least try to form some plan of ac- 
tion in case the prisoners succeed in sending us 
word regarding what they may be able to do,” I 
repHed quickly, whereupon Zenas said, much as 
though I was no more than a child who should be 
reproved for speaking in the presence of my 
elders : 

“ It would be a waste of words, for our course 
can only be determined upon after we know 
what is possible to those we would save. It is 
not wise to argue such a question yet.” 

“And I claim it is less foolish than running 
our noses into danger when no good can come of 
it,” I retorted almost petulantly. 

“ But I am counting that good will come of it,” 
he said with an air of wisdom which irritated 
me yet more. “We may be able to replenish our 
stock of produce, and by going directly to the 
city we show those on the Jersey, if there were 
any aboard who might suspect us, that we are 
bent only on making money. You agreed, 
Amos, that I was to be captain, and it is a poor 
sailor who questions what his commander does.” 

From that moment until we were at Ten Eyck’s 


196 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


wharf near the fish-market, where were half a 
dozen idlers who gave but little heed to us when 
we made the shallop fast, I did not open my 
mouth. 

I count on going to Fly Market in search of 
provisions which can he bought at a price that 
will admit of a profit,’’ he said carelessly, as if 
unconcerned whether any might overhear the 
words. You two will keep ship, and you are 
to go with me in order to aid in bringing back 
what may he purchased,” he said, pointing first 
to Moses and Eeuben, and afterward to me. 
Then he added, looking at those who were to 
remain in the boat, ‘‘In case you are likely to 
have trouble because of people who try to take 
your goods without our price, pull off into the 
stream, and there wait for us.” 

“ What about our pass ?” Eeuben asked. 

“You shall keep it, and in case we are ques- 
tioned, I doubt not but that we can persuade 
those who have the right, to come down here 
with us. Do not let yourselves be drawn into 
arguments with those on shore, for we are likely 
to make many visits if trade holds good, and 
it is unwise to take the chances of making ene- 
mies.” 

I followed him on shore, eying every person 


A PERILOUS MOMENT. 197 

we saw sharply, and he took advantage of the 
first opportunity to whisper : 

‘‘You are displaying too much suspicion. We 
should walk along like two lads who have noth- 
ing to fear ; by scrutinizing the townspeople too 
closely you draw attention to ourselves.” 

But for the danger of indulging in words just 
then, I would have retorted that we need not be 
thus careful of our actions if he had not foolishly 
ventured into the lion’s mouth ; but instead, I bit 
my lip to keep back the words, and ambled on at 
his heels like a servant whose time of indenture 
has not yet expired. 

He led the way straight up the wharf to Dock 
Street, which was lined on either side with citi- 
zens who were bent on business, with soldiers 
decked out in brightest of uniforms finding enjoy- 
ment in displaying themselves to those who were 
little better than prisoners, and the usual com- 
plement of loungers. 

To my great relief no one gave any special heed 
to us. It was only when we crowded too near 
some high and mighty personage that we at- 
tracted attention, and the hard words which were 
flung at us when we offended caused me no dis- 
tress of mind. 

As if he wished to court danger, Zenas insisted 


198 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


on strolling leisurely around the fish-market, 
pricing the wares here and there, and then we 
went up to Queen Street, on which is situated 
Fly Market. 

Here we found a denser throng of people, with 
a greater sprinkling of soldiers ; but by this time 
I was beginning to feel more at my ease, and we 
made our way to the corner of Crown Street 
with reasonable rapidity. 

Zenas set about the work in hand immediately 
we were come to the market, and to have seen 
him as he haggled over the prices one would 
have said that there was never a thought in his 
head save the earning of money. 

By paying two prices or more, we succeeded in 
burying half a sheep, the tradesman agreeing to 
cut it into the most convenient shape for selling 
again, and increased our stock of chickens by six, 
the whole making a reasonably large load to be 
carried on our shoulders. 

W^hile the butcher was fulfilling his portion of 
the contract by dividing the sheep into small por- 
tions, Zenas must needs stick his nose into the 
White Horse tavern, which stood hard by the 
market, and this last venture was like to have 
been our undoing. 

It was in his mind, as he afterward told me, 


A PERILOUS MOMENT. 


199 


to hear the gossip of the day with the hope that 
something might strike our ears which would be 
of value to Captain Hyler, and to such end we 
took a seat at the further end of the room where 
the patrons were seated in greater numbers. We 
called for two tankards of beer in order that we 
.might not he turned into the street as loungers 
who cannot pay for the space they occupy, and 
pricked up our ears for the first word of interest 
to ourselves. 

Luckily my attention was attracted toward the 
door before we were fairly well established at the 
table, and then I saw that which caused the cold 
chills to run up and down my spine. 

Two overgrown lads had just entered, taking 
seats near the window overlooking the street, 
and in the foremost — he who appeared to be the 
elder, — I recognized Simon Hunt ! 

It was as if I had suddenly been turned into 
stone ; I could not move even a finger, and it 
seemed certain the Tory cur must have seen us. 

After two or three minutes had passed, how- 
ever, and he appeared bent only on his own 
affairs, I so far found my senses as to be able to 
whisper, while I pushed my stool back a few 
inches to hide mnyself behind a fat man at the 
next table : 


200 


AMOS EUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


Simon Hunt is sitting near the window ! ’’ 

Zenas remained motionless an instant, and 
then craned his neck in order to make certain I 
had spoken the truth. 

It was not difficult to satisfy himself regarding 
the matter, and I noted that he looked decidedly 
disturbed in mind. Had it not been for the great 
danger which threatened us through this miser- 
able Tory, I would have said to Zenas that it 
served him right for having thus foolishly ven- 
tured into the city when we might have remained 
on the other shore. 

It was almost a certainty that Simon would 
espy us before many minutes had passed, and 
immediately he did so we were the same as pris- 
oners, for I knew full well that the cur would 
strain every effort to lodge us in the Bridewell. 
He had only to cry out, and half a dozen whose 
sympathies were with the king would give him 
aid, while it was not reasonable to suppose 
that a single hand would be raised in our de- 
fense, because he who interfered must of a cer- 
tainty proclaim himself an enemy to the in- 
vaders. 

We were powerless to move. The only exit 
was near where Simon sat, and it was necessary, 
if by any lucky chance he failed to see us, to re- 


A PERILOUS MOMENT. 201 

main where we were until it should please him 
to leave the place. 

By moving his stool, much as I had done, it 
was possible for Zenas to partially screen him- 
self, and this he did without delay, whispering 
to me later : 

Drink the beer, and in order to give fair 
reason for remaining, we will order eatables.” 

I obeyed him only after some difficulty. The 
liquid choked me, for in fancy I could already feel 
the pressure of the rope around my neck, and he 
who is to be hanged has little desire to tickle 
his palate. 

The miserable Tory had a certain fascination 
for me ; I dared not raise my eyes from his face, 
for it seemed to me in the highest degree neces- 
sary that I should be aware of the fact immedi- 
ately he discovered us. 

When one of the servants passed near us, Zenas 
ordered him to bring some roast beef, and after 
it had been served I could not swallow a mouth- 
ful despite all my efforts. I was like unto a 
person who gazes into his own grave, and how- 
ever near death may approach me in time to 
come, I shall never suffer more than I did then. 

It seemed to me that a full hour had passed be- 
fore Simon and his companion were ready to 


202 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


leave the tavern, and even after the door had 
closed behind them my fear did not grow less, 
for I fancied they would loiter around the out- 
side and thus see us when we went out. 

It even came into my mind that the villain had 
already discovered us, and was gone only in 
order to bring a file of soldiers lest we prove too 
agile for him to capture without aid. 

Zenas, however, was not so timid as I, and 
fortunate it was, else I might have stayed there 
until nightfall. 

''I will go out alone,” he whispered. ''In ten 
minutes you shall follow. In case you do not 
find me at the market where we are to get our 
goods, believe that I have fallen into a snare, and 
make all haste to warn our comrades. Do not 
attempt to stay here in the hope that I will come, 
for you may be certain I have been lodged in jail, 
and you could render no assistance.” 

He paid the reckoning and went out, giving 
me no time to question his decision, while I re- 
mained at the table pretending to eat and drink. 

When the time set by my brother had expired, 

I went out of the tavern in fear and trembling ; 
but to my great relief, no signs of Simon Hunt 
could be seen. 

With all speed I ran to the market, and there 


A PERILOUS MOMENT. 


203 


stood Zenas, smiling and confident, awaiting my 
arrival, with the meat tied in bundles at his 
feet. 

‘‘ That was a narrow squeak, and we had best 
lose no time in getting hack to the boat, for Moses 
and Reuben must be in a fine state of excitement 
because of our delay,’’ he whispered. 

It is needless for me to say that we gathered up 
our burdens and set off at once, causing more than 
one citizen to rail at us because we pressed him 
too hardly, or occupied more than our share of the 
walk. 

By this time night was come, for we had spent 
many a precious moment at the fish-market with- 
out furthering our purpose in the slightest, and, 
aside from all other danger, we stood a good 
chance of being robbed by such idlers as were ripe 
for any kind of mischief. 

Wherever it was possible we ran swiftly, and 
by such means progressed rapidly, although, ex- 
cited as I was, it seemed as if we had been an hour 
or more traversing that short distance. 

The shallop was lying at the head of the wharf, 
while Moses and Reuben were ashore peering anx- 
iously into the darkness in search of us. 

‘^It is high time you arrived,” Moses said in a 
tone of irritation. ‘‘I had just come to the con- 


204 AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

elusion that you were prisoners, and was on the 
point of crossing over to the other shore.” 

'' We met an acquaintance in the White Horse 
tavern, and did not care to come out while he sat 
so near the door, therefore the delay,” Zenas 
replied in a careless tone, whereupon Moses hurst 
forth angrily : 

So ! You were taking your ease in a tavern 
while Reuben and I have been eating our hearts 
out through fear. I was of Amos’ opinion, that 
we were fools to come here, and had I known 
what you counted on doing, we’d have remained 
in Wallabout Bay,” 

Gret into the boat,” Zenas said, addressing 
himself to us all, and giving no heed to Moses’ 
anger. W^e had best get under way without 
further delay.” 

Moses was not disposed to obey, preferring to 
first give Zenas a piece of his mind ; but I brought 
him around to duty by whispering in his ear : 

''We have come within an ace of being seen by 
Simon Hunt. W^e must get out of this town in 
short order, therefore put a stopper on your grum- 
bling until a more convenient season.” 

He leaped into the boat in a twinkling, as did 
Reuben and I, while Zenas was left on the wharf 
to pass down the goods we had purchased. 


A PERlLOtrS MOMENT. 


205 


As I have said, it was dark, and one could not 
distinguish objects a dozen feet distant, therefore 
we only knew that a boat was approaching be- 
cause of the creaking of oars in their row-locks. 

Dimly in the gloom I could make out that the 
craft had but a single occupant, and he was com- 
ing ashore within two yards or less of where Zenas 
was standing. 

The arrival of a boat was nothing in itself to 
cause alarm, and I gave no particular heed to the 
fact, being bent on stowing the goods quickly in 
order that we might the sooner get under 
way. 

Suddenly, I heard what was very like an excla- 
mation of astonishment, followed by one of anger, 
and before I could scramble on the wharf to learn 
what had happened, Zenas exclaimed from be- 
tween his set teeth, as if giving words to his 
thoughts rather than addressing any one : 

‘‘I’ll answer for it that you won’t make more 
trouble for us, you villain ! ” 

Then came a muffled cry, the noise as of a scuf- 
fle, and I leaped on to the timbers of the wharf in 
time to see my brother struggling with a fellow 
of about his own size. 

It goes without saying that I made all haste to 
take part in the scuffle, as did Moses and Eeuben, 


206 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


and having come near to the combatants I also 
gave vent to an exclamation of anger. 

It was again Simon Hunt ! The Tory cur 
seemed to have the city of New York in his pos- 
session that he should be everywhere we chanced 
to go. 

On drawing near in order to aid my brother, I 
observed that he was clutching Simon by the 
throat in such fashion that the villain could not 
cry out, therefore I made it my business to look 
after the fellow’s legs, and, with Eeuben’s aid, 
soon had them bound securely with my waist- 
belt. 

Then we tied his arms while Moses tore off a 
sleeve of the cur’s coat and fashioned it into a gag, 
which we speedily had between his teeth, thus 
marking certain he could neither move nor speak. 

Thanks to Zenas’ precaution of gripping him by 
the throat, there had been no noise, and we passed 
him down over theVharf together with the frag- 
ments of sheep as if he was neither more nor less 
than so much merchandise. 

No one stopped to ask what we could do with 
the villain ; he had recognized Zenas, and his 
capture became necessary, even though it was 
like to interfere with the plan which had been 
begun so neatly in Wallabout Bay. 


A PERILOUS MOMENT. 


207 


We were ready to push off from the wharf when 
the noise of rapid footsteps was heard in the dis- 
tance, and even as I was unloosening the painter 
came the cry : 

‘‘Simon ! Simon Hunt ! ” 

During an instant we four remained silent and 
motionless, not daring to push off lest the new- 
comer should see us even in the darkness and set 
out in pursuit, thinking his friend had come to 
some harm, and fearing to stay lest he prove to be 
an enemy which could not be overpowered as 
readily as had Simon. 

Again the stranger shouted, and Zenas said 
hurriedly : 

“We are bound to take him too, if it so be we 
can, else he’ll raise such an outcry as will bring 
all the loafers nearabout down on us.” 

“We didn’t come here to capture Tories,” Moses 
said in a tone of dissatisfaction. 

Zenas did not wait to reply. Simon’s friend 
was approaching rapidly, and as my brother 
scrambled upon the wharf the stranger, believing 
he saw Master Hunt, said breathlessly, as if hav- 
ing run long and rapidly : 

“I couldn’t get here sooner. At first father 
refused to let me out, saying that it made no dif- 
ference to him how many Whigs might be in 


208 AMOS DtJNKEL, OARSMAN. 

Walla bout Bay trying to rescue prisoners, for it 
was the duty of the king’s officers to look after 
them, and not mine.” 

However much inclined Moses and I might have 
been to draw back when Zenas proposed to take 
the second prisoner, we could not hesitate now 
the fellow had said what gave us to understand 
that something of what we counted on doing was 
known to him. 

By the time he had come to the edge of the 
wharf all four of us were upon him, and in a 
twinkling we had the stranger in as helpless a 
condition as was his friend. 

While we did this, and even in the gloom, I 
recognized him as the fellow who had been in the 
tavern with Simon Hunt. 

We’d better get away from this place before 
more come whom we are bound to capture,” 
Moses said grimly, and Zenas replied, allowing 
himself to be drawn into conversation even though 
it might be dangerous : 

‘'It IS well we not only came here, but that 
we were forced to wait until these fellows were 
ready to leave, else our trading might have been 
brought to a sudden end to-morrow morning. 
Throw him aboard, and we’ll be gone.” 

It was Eeuben who insisted that the two Tories 


A PERILOUS MOMENT. 


209 


be covered with vegetables and meat until it 
would appear as if we had no more on board 
than would ordinarily be found in a trader’s 
boat, and I grumbled because of the delay ; but 
understood ten minutes later what a good turn 
the lad had done us. 

We had hardly more than put off from the 
wharf and settled down to our work when we 
heard the sound of oars close at hand, and a 
moment later a barge came in view from out the 
gloom. 

It was the guard-boat, and but for Eeuben’s 
suggestion we would have been caught red- 
handed. 

As a matter of course we pulled up sharply on 
being hailed, and in reply to the officer’s question 
of why we were abroad at that time of the night, 
Zenas ordered Moses to show the pass, saying as 
the Britisher held the paper where the rays of a 
lantern which he drew from beneath his cloak, 
would fall upon it : 

‘^We came from Wallabout Bay to purchase 
provisions for to-morrow’s trade, and were delayed 
in bringing the goods away.” 

Why do you leave the city after dark ? It 
is more comfortable in a tavern than on the shore 

of the bay.” 

14 


210 AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

‘^True, sir; but it costs much hard cash to 
stay there, and we are not turned traders for the 
sport of the thing. Unless we save our money 
we shall he no better off than if we had remained 
at home.” 

'' Even the youngest Yankees are close-fisted,” 
the officer said with a laugh to the helmsman, 
and then, giving us back the pass, he ordered his 
men to give way on the oars. 

Another danger had been met and parried. 
How many times might we run our noses into 
peril before we would find ourselves prisoners ? 


OUR PRISONERS. 


211 


CHAPTER XI. 

OUR PRISONERS. 

When we were clear of the guard-boat I believe 
the same thought was in the minds of all — that 
we could not continue much longer to run into 
danger without finding ourselves brought up 
with a round turn, and that turn the noose on 
the end of a hangman’s halter. 

I had willingly agreed to Captain Hyler’s prop- 
osition that we make the attempt at liberating 
some of the prisoners, and believed such a venture 
would give me all the perilous excitement I might 
desire during the remainder of my life, but 
already had we run into danger after danger, 
each seeming to he greater than the other, until 
it would appear that we could not go much 
further. 

Now we were hampered by two prisoners, 
unless perchance they had already been smothered 
by the farm produce under which we buried them, 
and I asked myself how it would be possible to 
carry out our original plan unless we first made 


212 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


the long voyage to Smithtown Bay and left there 
Simon Hunt and his companion ? 

This question was also in the minds of all, as 
I understood a few moments later when Eeuben 
said half to himself : 

''Now we are bound to go hack to the rendez- 
vous, for these fellows can’t safely be set at liberty, 
and those poor souls on the Jersey will look for 
us in vain to-morrow morning.” 

"We shall be there, waiting for a message 
with the hope that they may be able to smuggle 
one aboard,” Zenas said decidedly, and I asked in 
bewilderment : 

" How may that be ? You can’t take these 
Tories with you.” 

" There is no such thought in my mind, neither 
do I intend to talk of our plans out here where, 
for aught we know, may be a boat and crew 
hidden by the darkness. Not a word is to be 
spoken save that which all the world may hear, 
until we are in night quarters.” 

" Have you decided where, we are to haul up ? ” 
Moses asked, and I fancied there was just a tinge 
of stiffness in his tone because Zenas was playing 
the captain in such complete manner that we 
could not even offer advice. 

" I count on camping ashore in the thicket, 


OUR PRISONERS. 


213 


if you fellows are willing. I saw two or three 
promising places while we were coming up this 
morning.” 

“ So that we are where a portion of this cargo 
can be taken out, I am not overly particular as to 
where it may be,” Moses said, and then he bent 
his back to the oars, I following his example. 

In silence we two lads rowed while Zenas steered 
and Reuben stood lookout in the bow, until the 
shallop grounded on the sand at the southernmost 
point of the bay where, as it seemed to me in the 
gloom, was a reasonably stout growth of small 
timber. 

Reuben and I leaped ashore agreeably to the 
captain’s orders, and during ten minutes or more 
we tramped around and around, until making cer- 
tain there was no other besides ourselves within 
a radius of fifty yards or more. 

Then Zenas condescended to come on shore, and 
the boat was pulled well up to high-water mark, 
after which we gave some little attention to our 
prisoners. 

They were alive, although looking considerably 
the worse for wear. The faces of both were 
flushed as if all the blood in their bodies had 
rushed to their heads, and they appeared de- 
cidedly alarmed, as indeed there was good reason. 


214 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


Better give them a chance to breathe,” Moses 
suggested. We don’t want to kill the lads out- 
right, even though they are Tories.” 

‘‘We won’t shed blood unless they attempt to 
give an alarm, and then I promise that I will brain 
both without the slightest hesitation,” Zenas said 
savagely, after which he took the gags from the 
mouths of the prisoners. 

“Eemember what I promised, ” he said threat- 
eningly as Simon, after considerable gasping, 
appeared about to make some remark. “ So long 
as you keep quiet we’ll make matters as comfort- 
able as possible ; but once show signs of trying to 
get the best of us, and your death will follow 
instantly. ” 

The fellows were yet lying in the boat when 
these words were spoken ; we had simply pulled 
away the cargo which covered them from sight, 
and Simon raised his head as if to peer about 
him. 

“You didn’t dare take us where the rest of 
your gang are stationed,” he said mockingly, 
and in an instant I understood what he had 
counted on doing, for the vrords of his compan- 
ion when the latter first came on to Ten Eyck’s 
wharf, gave me the clue. 

Simon had seen some of the lads who were 


OUR PRISONERS. 


215 


engaged in the same work as ourselves, and in- 
tended to make them prisoners in order to gratify 
his spite at the same time that he earned the re- 
ward offered for the arrest of spies and so-called 
traitors. 

He had not seen us until Zenas fell afoul of him 
on the wharf ; but, as was only natural, believed 
we were in company with the others. 

These surmises I gave words to, calling Zenas 
aside lest the captive should hear, and we agreed 
that it would not be well to undeceive the Tory. 

Eeuben was minded to make the lads as com- 
fortable as possible ; but instead of being grate- 
ful for his efforts, Simon Hunt abused him like 
a pickpocket, until I took a hand in the matter 
by clutching the cur’s throat as I said to Moses : 

Shove that gag into his mouth ; I’m not 
reckoning on his being allowed to abuse us, even 
though it is only with his tongue.” 

The miserable villain now showed signs of fear. 
Having heard what we had previously said re- 
garding the possibility that he might be choked 
to death by the gag, he counted on our being 
afraid to use it, save for a few moments at a time, 
and my proposition to replace it while we were 
in night quarters, alarmed him. 

By the expression in his eyes I understood that 


216 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


he was most eager to say something, and I 
motioned for Moses to give him the opportunity. 

‘‘You’ll kill me if you keep that gag in my 
mouth all night,” he whined. 

“So much the better,” I said quietly, hoping 
he would believe I spoke only the truth. “ Then 
we might set it down as an accident, and not 
- charge ourselves with murdering such a reptile. 
It will be very much better for every Whig in 
this country, when you are put out of the 
world.” 

“Don’t gag me again ! Don’t gag me !” he 
cried imploringly. “I promise not to open my 
mouth, no matter what happens, save when you 
give permission ! ” 

Instead of replying to him we lifted the Tory 
cur from the boat and carried him into the thicket, 
afterward paying the same attention to his com- 
panion, and then, before doing anything toward 
insuring our own comfort, we gathered near the 
water’s edge to decide upon a course of action for 
the morrow. 

It was certain that there must be some change 
in our plans now we had two prisoners ; but how 
the matter might be arranged without seriously 
interfering with the important task on hand, was 
more than I could imagine. 


OUR PRISONERS. 


217 


‘‘We must make up our minds as to what shall 
be done in the morning,’’ Zenas said, when we 
four stood where the words could not be over- 
heard. 

“Why not leave them hidden in the thicket 
while we attend to our trading ? ” Eeuben asked 
innocently. “ After being properly gagged and 
bound, I’ll answer for it they won’t interfere with 
us.” 

“In case they were discovered it would be a 
bad piece of business for us,” Moses said grimly. 
“I reckon we’d be run up to the yard-arm of 
the Jersey without much ceremony.” 

Zenas had already decided upon a plan, as I 
understood by his tone when he said : 

“ The Tories must be left here, and we’ll draw 
lots to see who shall stay behind to look after 
them.” 

“If a Britisher comes this way, I can’t under- 
stand that we’ll be any better off by having a 
watch over them,” Eeuben suggested. “ In case 
one fellow is seen guarding two, you may be 
certain of an interference, unless he who dis- 
covered them chanced to be an arrant coward.” 

I also had an objection to this plan proposed by 
Zenas, which I voiced by saying : 

“We warned the prisoners to look for a boat 


218 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


which had in it four lads. If we go there with 
only three, even though the canvas patch be on 
the bow, they’ll have good reason for believing 
that it isn’t safe to make an attempt at escape 
until after hearing from us again, and we can’t 
hope to toss a letter on board under the very noses 
of the guard every day in the week.” 

^‘If either of you lads can think of a plan 
which will satisfy all except me, I’ll be glad to 
throw my poor scheme to the winds and join in 
whatever pleases the others. Suppose we get 
supper now, and while that is being done each one 
can turn the matter over in his mind ? ” 

Then Zenas acted upon his own suggestion by 
overhauling the cargo of the shallop until he 
found the bread and cold boiled bacon with which 
we had provided ourselves at the house of a friend 
on the Connecticut shore. 

By building a fire we might have prepared a 
most appetizing meal ; but there was altogether 
too much risk in making a blaze, and we preferred 
being a trifle hungry rather than add to the 
chances of discovery. 

The prisoners were fed first ; but neither of 
them made a very hearty meal, and the members 
of our party, although having done a hard day’s 
work, were but little inclined for food. Death 


OUR PRISONERS. 219 

was standing too near at that moment to permit 
of our taking heed to animal comfort. 

An hour later we followed Zenas out on the 
shore in order to resume the discussion as to how 
we should continue our task now we were ham- 
pered with prisoners ; hut no one had hit upon a 
better plan than that suggested by Zenas, and 
Moses said after a short time of profound 
silence : 

‘‘We shall be forced to leave one behind, re- 
gardless of what those who are confined on board 
the Jersey may think, and he who stays will have 
no pleasant time if we in the shallop are discovered 
and pursued. It is certain a stop could not be 
made here, in case the enemy was close at our 
heels, therefore I believe it should be understood 
that if we fall into serious trouble, the guard and 
those two Tories must be left behind.” 

To this no one made any reply ; the thoughts 
which came into our minds were too painful to be 
given words. Eeuben, with the air of one who is 
in the lowest depths of despair, led the way back 
to the thicket, and we followed him in silence. 

When we had thrown ourselves on the ground 
near by our prisoners, Zenas proposed that he 
would stand the first watch, for of course some 
member of the party must remain awake to keep 


220 AMOS DtJNKEL, OARSMAN. 

guard, promising to arouse one of us when he 
felt inclined to sleep. 

Duiing the night which followed I question if 
any one of us four who had left Smithtown Bay 
on the desperate venture of rescuing prisoners 
from the Jersey, closed his eyes in slumber even 
during the smallest fraction of time ; we had so 
much which was mournful to occupy our minds 
that we could not give way to repose. 

Now and then one or another would rise, take 
a look at the captives, and then walk to the 
water’s edge peering out into the gloom as if 
expecting to see the enemy close upon us, 

With the first light of a new day we were 
gathered by the side of the shallop, standing in 
silence, and dreading to hear the proposal, which 
must soon be made, that we draw lots to decide 
who was to remain on guard. 

Zenas broke the silence by saying almost in a 
whisper : 

We are showing ourselves to be faint-hearted, 
lads. Matters will be none the better for delay, 
and we had best have done with it at once. I 
want you to bear in mind, however, that our 
situation is by no means as desperate as it might 
be. Simon had seen something which caused him 
to suspect that an attempt would be made to 


OUR PRISONERS. 


^21 


release American prisoners ; but it is evident he 
confided in no one but the fellow whom we 
brought here with him. Most likely he counted 
on doing a big thing, by unmasking the plot, and 
believed a large reward might be gained. He 
and his companion can do us no harm while 
they remain here closely guarded, therefore we 
are so much better off than we would have been 
but for the visit to the tavern by Amos and me. 
Instead of feeling downhearted, we ought to be 
in the best of spirits, since matters are working 
in our favor, even though we are hampered to a 
certain extent in our movements.’* 

We have been trying to look at the situation 
in the brightest light,” Moses interrupted nerv- 
ously, ‘^and the least said will be the most satis- 
factory, so far as I am concerned. Let’s decide 
who is to remain as guard over the Tories.” 

‘‘I will find four twigs, one of which shall be 
longer than the others, and you three will make 
your choice, I taking that which remains,” 
Zenas said as he groped about at the edge of the 
thicket. 

‘^It goes without saying that you can’t remain 
behind ! ” I exclaimed warmly. 

^‘Why not?” 

‘^Because you have transacted all the business 


222 AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

thus far, and the sergeant may not be so well 
disposed toward any of us.’’ 

I shall take my chances with the rest, as is 
no more than right,” Zenas replied decidedly, and 
then he had the twigs ready for our choosing. 

Quickly, with no studying over the matter in 
order to guess which might be the shortest, each 
drew a twig from Zenas’ hand, and when this had 
been done the longest was held by Moses. 

I hardly dared look toward the lad, fearing lest 
I should read on his face such bitter disappoint- 
ment and fear that my heart would be wrung 
with pity. 

He was brave, however, as we soon understood 
when he said readily, and with no evidence of 
emotion in his tones : 

‘'I have been thinking all night that the lot 
would fall on me, and am decided upon a course of 
action whatever may be the result of your labors. 
In case you succeed in getting some of the poor 
fellows from the Jersey, it stands to reason that 
you can t afford to stop here in order to take me 
on board, and the same holds true if you are dis- 
covered and pursued. Give no heed whatsoever 
to me ; but keep on with your task, and when 
you are among our friends once more, send some 
one here to relieve me, for I shall keep these 


OUR PRISONERS. 


223 


Tories close prisoners so long as our provisions 
hold out, and then three days after the last morsel 
has been eaten.’’ 

Then, and as if he would avoid further conver- 
sation, he began taking our private stores from 
the shallop, and, in addition, his own musket and 
a small supply of ammunition. 

We went through the form of eating breakfast 
that morning ; but I dare venture to say that not 
one of us swallowed the smallest morsel without a 
sensation as if it had stuck fast in his throat. 

To remain there waiting for the time to come 
when we might begin trading with those on 
board the prison-ship, was more than I could well 
endure, and I whispered to Zenas : 

Let us set off. It is better to row aimlessly 
around the bay than sit still gazing at Moses, 
with the knowledge that we are not like to see 
him again.” 

He motioned to Eeuben, and, without so much 
as„a hand-clasp for our brother, we pushed the 
shallop into deep water, never turning our heads 
shoreward as we bent to the oars. 

I believed we would never see him again in this 
world, and did not make any attempt at checking 
the tears which rolled down my cheeks while I 
kept stroke with Eeuben, my eyes fixed on the 


224 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


bottom of the boat lest I should inadvertently 
catch a glimpse of the brother whom we had much 
the same as sacrificed. 

The sun had not yet risen ; it was hardly prob- 
able that we would be allowed to come alongside 
the Jersey until many hours later, and Reuben, 
who could not naturally be supposed to grieve 
over the abandonment of Moses as did Zenas and 
I, asked curiously : 

How do you count on spending the time until 
we may begin our work ? ’’ 

There is no reason why we cannot lay off a 
short distance from the prison-ship. So that we 
do not approach too near, the Britishers can make 
no serious objection.’’ 

It was a matter of indifference to me where we 
spent the time, and my brother steered the shal- 
lop straight for the Jersey, despite Reuben’s in- 
sistence that we go ashore near at hand rather 
than take the chances of disgruntling the Brit- 
ishers. 

When we had come within thirty yards of the 
hulk whereon was so much of misery, we hauled 
in the oars, allowing the shallop to be carried by 
the current wheresoever she might. There was 
not a breath of air stirring, therefore we could 
not drift very far from the objective point. 


OUR PRISONERS. 


225 


A few moments later the sergeant, who was 
our partner in the trading enterprise, came to 
the rail and waved his hand in token that we had 
been expected, and we could see that he spoke 
with one of the soldiers who stood guard amid- 
ships, most likely explaining to him who we were. 

Eather owing to the fact that I had nothing to 
do, than because of expecting to see anything of 
especial interest, I kept my eyes fastened on the 
side of the ship, and after a time came to under- 
stand that three or four men were standing 
behind the bars of a port which had lately been 
opened. 

Suddenly I realized that these must be prisoners, 
and for the time being I partially forgot my great 
grief. 

Then it seemed to me that one was waving his 
hand, and at the same instant the shallop was 
swung around by the current until the patch of 
canvas on her bow could be distinguished by those 
on board the Jersey. 

Immediately the hand was swung to and fro 
more violently, and I raised my cap in token that 
the signal had been seen. 

An instant later some small object was flung 
far out over the water ; but not until ten seconds 
or more had elapsed did I realize that what I had 

15 


226 AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

seen might be a letter from those whom we were 
risking our lives to save. 

'‘They have thrown out something for us/’ I 
said in a low tone to Zenas. 

"Where is it?” he asked eagerly, turning 
suddenly toward me ; but, fortunately my wits 
had been sharpened, and I replied : 

" Sit still ; there is too much risk in my point- 
ing out anything so near the ship ! I can see 
what appears to be a small bit of wood, and on it, 
or inside, we shall find what we desire. Steer 
straight for that low hut ashore, three or four 
points off the Jersey’s starboard bow, and I’ll 
engage to get it aboard without being seen by 
those on the spar deck.” 

Zenas directed Reuben to let his oars hang lazily 
over the side while he pulled a stroke now and 
then, and I overhung the gunwale as if dabbling 
my hands in the water. 

We approached slowly, not daring to row boldly 
on, and I kept steadily in view the fragment of 
wood which was being carried astern of the ship 
by the trend of the current. 

It was a full hour before we came up with it, 
and long before such time had expired Zenas had 
it in sight. 

Slowly we drifted on until I could seize the 


OUR PRISONERS. 


227 


object which might be of so much importance to 
us, and then I remained over the gunwale, not 
daring to rise suddenly lest my movements be 
observed by the enemy. 

‘‘Stow yourself in the bow, beneath the cab- 
bages, and you will there have an opportunity of 
reading it without being seen,” Zenas whispered, 
and I obeyed. 

Not until I was thus partially hidden from view 
did I have a good view of the fragment which 
had cost us so much time in the getting. It was 
a bit of sawn board three or four inches square, 
less than an inch in thickness, and bearing no 
marks on either side. 

“We have made fools of ourselves ! ” I said 
petulantly. “This is no more than a piece of 
wood which littered the deck,” and I was about 
to cast it overboard again with a feeling of keen- 
est disappointment, when Zenas said sharply : 

“Hold on to it! Those prisoners would not 
throw over the smallest fragment which might 
be used as fuel, for we are told that they do not 
have enough with which to cook their food. It 
has been soaking in the water some time, and in 
case of having been split in order that a paper 
could be inserted, would be so badly swollen as to 
hide every evidence of such work.” 


228 AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

My knife was out in a twinkling, and after con- 
siderable cutting and whittling, I succeeded in 
splitting the fragment, disclosing between the 
two pieces a folded strip of paper. 


THE ATTEMPT. 


229 


CHAPTER XIL 

THE ATTEMPT. 

But for the thought that Moses remained on the 
Long Island shore with many chances against his 
escaping with both life and liberty, I could have 
cried aloud in joy because we had thus succeeded 
in opening communication when, at the beginning, 
that had appeared to be the most difficult portion 
of the task set us. 

But for our having run across Simon Hunt and 
his companion we would have been in fine shape 
for the task, yet if we had not come upon him, 
the miserable cur might readily have compassed 
the downfall of all. 

What is written on the paper ? ” Zenas asked 
impatiently as I allowed my thoughts to stray so 
far from the matter in hand, and I unfolded the 
missive quickly, disclosing a number of written 
words which had not been effaced by the action of 
the water, thanks to the envelope of wood. 

The following is what I read in a low tone, 
speaking each word distinctly in order that my 
companions might understand it thoroughly : 


230 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


God will reward lads who strive to aid their 
suffering fellow-creatures. On certain nights 
one or more of the gun-deck ports are left open ; 
it might be possible that we could manage to file, 
or wrench aside, one of the bars. It is also pos- 
sible to slip over the rail now and then. If you 
count on remaining near at hand during the night, 
take up a station on the starboard side, in a line 
with the ship’s foremast. A general delivery can- 
not be managed ; but four or five might make the 
venture, swimming out to the shallop. We will 
make the attempt on this night, and, in case of 
failure, on each succeeding night until a change 
is made in the guard.” 

There was no name signed to the paper, nor 
did we expect the writer would think it necessary 
to thus distinguish himself from the other poor 
wretches who, doubtless, were ready to make an 
attempt at escape even though the odds might 
be great against them. 

Eead it once more, Amos,” Zenas said, and I 
obeyed. 

^‘What does he mean by ‘a change in the 
guard’?” Keuben asked, and Zenas concluded 
that as the sentinels were then stationed it was 
possible to make some effort at getting away ; 
but if they were given a change of posts or dif- 


THE ATTEMPT. 231 

ferent men assigned to the duty, there would be 
no hope. 

‘‘At all events,” my brother said in conclusion, 
“ we know the prisoners are expecting us, and 
whenever the night is dark enough to admit of 
our being concealed at a distance of fifty yards, 
we will lay off the ship according to directions.” 

Then there came into my mind the thought 
that in case we did not succeed in making the 
attempt on this coming night, we would naturally 
return to where Moses was keeping guard over 
the prisoners, and I mentally resolved to propose 
that I act in his stead during at least one four 
and twenty hours, in order that the poor fellow 
might have some relief from his irksome duty, 
for the most imminent danger was preferable to 
remaining hidden in the thicket, imagining all 
the while that his comrades had been forced to 
desert him. 

We did not indulge in much conversation after 
reading the message from those whom we hoped 
to ledd to liberty. Water is a rare conductor of 
sound, and prudence dictated that we remain 
silent while surrounded, so to speak, by the 
enemy ; but I dare venture to say that each of us 
kept his mind working most actively. 

For my part, I was filled with wonderment that 


232 AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

we had succeeded to such an extent in so short a 
time. When we started out on the venture it 
seemed probable that we might be forced to spend 
many days in the effort to gain communication 
with the prisoners, and yet, within less than four 
and twenty hours of actually beginning the task, 
the most difficult portion of it had been per- 
formed. 

The prisoners were on the alert, knowing we 
were close at hand ready to aid them at the first 
opportunity, and thus had the principal part of 
our labor been performed. The remainder of 
the venture depended in a great measure upon 
what the unfortunate ones themselves would be 
able to bring about. 

We were allowing our craft to drift with the 
current, believing our temporary partner, the 
sergeant, would give the signal when the day’s 
work might be begun, and feeling but little 
interest in the trafficking which was to follow 
because we no longer had urgent reason for re- 
maining alongside the ship. Having made our 
presence known to the prisoners, it would be not 
only distasteful, but in a certain degree dangerous 
to stay where we might be recognized by such 
Tories as visited the Jersey to gloat over the 
unfortunates whom they had sent there. 


THE ATTEMPT. 


233 

However, it was absolutely necessary we con- 
tinue to play the part of traders, and also to be 
eager in the traffic, in order that we have an 
excuse for remaining in the bay. To my mind ifc 
would be a misfortune if we should be forced to 
go in search of a fresh supply, since to depart 
even for a few hours might be to go away at the 
very time when our people could carry out what- 
ever plans they had formed. 

There was no good reason why I should turn 
over all these possibilities in my mind, however. 
Matters would go on in their own way despite 
what we might plan or think, and my speculating 
would not change them by so much as a hair’s 
breadth. 

We drifted about the bay a full three hours 
before the sergeant gave us the signal to ap- 
proach, by waving his cap, and then our craft 
was pulled alongside the gangway in such fashion 
that the patch of canvas ^cross her bow could 
readily be seen by those on deck. 

The sergeant came down the ladder to assure 
himself that he was to receive the same percent- 
age on our sales as had been given the day pre- 
vious, and when this had been settled between 
him and Zenas we were allowed to dispose of our 


wares. 


234 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


To my great displeasure, we had as our first 
customers half a dozen of the ship’s crew, and 
these we were forced to supply so long as they 
were willing to pay the price demanded, although 
it lessened our stock in trade, which we wished to 
retain as long as possible. 

The first prisoner who was allowed to haggle 
with us from over the rail was a man whom I 
recognized as having seen more than once in 
Jamaica. It had been told us in Flushing that 
he was sent to New York as a prisoner, by Master 
Downes, and I was wishing most fervently that 
our message had been shown him by Abel Cum- 
mings, when he gave me such a look as told that 
he understood full well for what purpose we were 
there. 

I answered him by a movement of my eyebrows, 
and then we knew that he was among the party 
who had answered our letter, for he said in the 
tone of one who asks^ great favor : 

‘‘If you lads can come here nearabout sunset, 
I shall be able to buy some of your provisions. I 
am expecting a friend who will bring me money ; 
he promised to come soon, if it should be possible 
to get a pass.” 

“It might be that we could deliver the goods 
now, and get the pay after your friend arrives,” 


THE ATTEMPT. 


m 


I suggested, whereupon the sergeant cried in a 
tone of deep concern, most likely fearing lest he 
would be cheated out of his commission on our 
sales : 

Unless you lads wish to be bankrupted in 
short order, you’ll hold on to your produce until 
the hard cash is in your hands. There’s never a 
Yankee aboard who isn’t expecting that some 
friend or another will bring him money, and yet 
precious few of them ever see the color of a 
shilling.” 

It’ll be all the same to you, sir,” Zenas said to 
the soldier in a low tone. At nightfall we’ll 
settle as was agreed upon, whether the full 
price has been paid or not. We’ll look after that 
end of the business.” 

I shall hold you to it, lad, and believe you’re 
too soft-hearted at the same time, for these 
fellows have a trick of dying, and a dead man 
doesn’t pay,” the sergeant said with a laugh, and 
at that instant his attention was attracted to 
some other portion of the deck, whereupon the 
prisoner said meanly : 

‘‘ Then you will come for your money to-night ? ” 

Yes, and if your cash has not arrived by that 
time, we’ll come around every other night until 
you are able to square accounts,” Zenas replied, 


236 AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

which was much the same as if he had told the 
prisoner that we would be ready at all times to 
aid an escape. 

Then our man began bargaining for a certain 
amount of provisions, doing his best to beat us 
down in price in order that no suspicion be 
aroused, and the sergeant came back in time to 
learn the amount of the purchase so he could be 
certain of receiving every penny we had agreed to 
give for the privilege of doing business in that 
quarter. 

Had we really been there for the sole purpose of 
making money by the sale of produce, we would 
have felt fully repaid by the patronage bestowed 
upon us during the day, for our goods disappeared 
over the rail of the ship faster than was agreeable 
to me ; but in a manner most satisfactory to our 
partner, the sergeant. 

At intervals, longer or shorter, as the case 
might be, we were forced to pull away from the 
landing stage when officers came on a visit from 
the other ships, or those belonging to the Jersey 
went to the city, and on one of these occasions 
when we were obliged to lay off at a respectful dis- 
tance during half an hour or more, Zenas said in 
a low tone : 

In case we get rid of our stock in trade this 


THE ATTEMPT. 


237 


day and can’t do work, we’ll go to New York in 
the morning to lay in a fresh supply. We shall 
be tired by sunset, and there’s no good reason why 
we should make the journey, until after having 
had a night’s rest.” 

After this remark had been made I was more 
easy in mind, for I understood that it was not 
my brother’s intention to leave the bay while there 
might be a possibility our unfortunate country- 
men could carry into effect their portion of the 
plan. 

A ready brain had Zenas, and while he was in 
command of an enterprise, it might be set down 
as a fact that not the slightest detail which eould 
aid in the success of a scheme would be neglected. 
It is little wonder that Captain Hyler came at 
length to put more dependence in him than in all 
the other lads of the fleet combined. 

I must cut short the story of what we did on 
this day, lest I err by setting down too many 
words of little interest when there is so much to 
be told. 

When night came we gave the sergeant his 
share of the money received, and still had a 
sufficient amount of goods on hand to give us an 
excuse for remaining nearabout that bay of misery 
on the following day. In addition to this, light 


238 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


clouds had been gathering in the sky during the 
afternoon, giving promise of that darkness which 
we most needed in the venture which was well 
under way. 

“We’re likely to have rain before morning,” 
the sergeant said by way of friendly conversation 
when Zenas settled accounts with him, and I fer- 
vently hoped that he might prove to be a true 
weather prophet. 

During the day we had seen the other boats be- 
longing to our fleet, which had come on the same 
errand as ourselves ; but they were moving aim- 
lessly about, evidently waiting for something un- 
usual to occur, and I set it down in my mind Rs 
a fact, that if the prisoners on board the Jersey 
waited for relief from them, they were like to 
grow gray-headed before it came. 

When we pulled away from the prison-ship 
Zenas steered our craft around the craft to star- 
board that the prisoners might see us if it so 
chanced they were on the lookout, and I fancied 
it was possible to distinguish several pallid faces 
against the bars of an open port watching our 
boat. 

It caused a certain sensation of faintness in my 
heart as I realized how eagerly and thoroughly 
the poor fellows were depending upon us who 


THE ATTEMPT. 


239 


might not be able to carry out the scheme although 
it had been so well begun. 

We now had at least three hours of idleness 
before the attempt at escape could be made, and 
I said to Zenas when we were at some consider- 
able distance from the ship : 

‘‘Why wouldn’t it be a good idea to run over 
and have a word with Moses ? I know the poor 
fellow would be relieved at seeing us and hearing 
what we are like to do to-night.” 

“ Even though there might be no danger in so 
doing, I dare say his courage would be none the 
greater for having said good-by to us once more,” 
Zenas replied curtly, and I understood that he 
did not dare risk himself in another parting. 

Then Eeuben said half to himself : 

“ He’ll know what we’re about to do, because of 
the clouds which promise to make the night dark, 
and we would be spending our strength to no 
purpose by pulling the boat such a distance. If 
it so chances that any of those poor fellows suc- 
ceed in breaking jail to-night, I’m of the opinion 
that we’ll need all our wind before the plan is 
fully worked out.’’ 

“You’re right,” Zenas added approvingly. 
“ Instead of talking about him, when it can be of 
no other avail than to make our hearts sore, let 


^0 AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

US say just what shall he done in case our 
venture is worked this night. Suppose that four 
or five of the prisoners manage to slip through 
the port ; when we have picked them up the first 
work will be to lighten the shallop as much as 
possible by throwing over all our cargo, and then 
each of us will take a pair of oars. To my mind 
we had best keep on pulling, in case we are pur- 
sued, until all are shot, rather than allow our- 
selves to be carried back to the ship only that we 
may be hanged at the yard-arm.” 

‘‘That is my belief,” Eeuben replied. “Cap- 
ture means certain death for us three, and I had 
rather it came to me by a musket-ball than at the 
end of a rope.” 

I said nothing ; it was not agreeable to discuss 
the best method of dying, when death was really so 
near at hand, and there was, to my mind, no good 
reason why we should indulge in such specula- 
tions, save as they might be necessary in map- 
ping out our course of action. 

From this moment, until we were so near the 
shore that we could not be distinguished by those 
on the ship because of the fast-gathering gloom, 
no one spoke again ; but when it was not possible 
to make out more than the spars of the Jersey, 
Zenas gave the word to cease rowing. 


THE ATTEMPT. 


241 


There’s no need of going further away,” he 
said. Let the boat drift while we eat supper.” 

‘‘I’m not hungry,” Eeuben said with a half 
suppressed sigh, whereat my brother . replied 
angrily : 

‘ ‘ Hunger has nothing to do with it. Y ou must 
eat in order to keep up your strength, and we 
may not have another opportunity until after 
many hours have passed.” 

We obeyed this order, and I can safely say that 
it was the most mournful meal I ever shared. 
By the time each of us had swallowed all that was 
possible, the night had fully come. 

If we could have had the ordering of affairs the 
weather could not have been more to our liking. 
The clouds hung low in the sky, and already the 
rain was beginning to fall ; the chill in the air 
was so severe that the water froze as it fell, and 
all hands were soon so benumbed that we longed 
for the exercise of rowing in order to warm us 
up. 

All this was bad for Moses and his prisoners ; 
but their bodily suffering could not be as great as 
ours since the foliage would serve as a partial 
shelter against the wind, and, at a pinch, a small 
fire might be built in a hole dug where it could be 
covered or screened by their bodies. 

i6 


242 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


The guard on the spar deck of the Jersey would 
not be overly strict, so I figured, for the soldiers 
would take advantage of every possible shelter, 
else were they greater fools than I gave them 
credit of being. 

^^The wind is coming up in fine style,” Zenas 
said after a long time of silence, and by the trem- 
bling of his voice I knew that his teeth were chat- 
tering. The splash made by a man as he drops 
into the water should not be heard at any very 
great distance, and our people will indeed be for- 
tunate if they are unable to make the attempt 
this night.” 

‘^The poor wretches will freeze if they are 
forced to stay in this boat very long while their 
clothes are soaked with water,” Keuben suggested, 
and Zenas replied grimly : 

Better such a death while endeavoring to es- 
cape, than to go out of the world for lack of food. 
We may as well pull up to the ship, for there’s no 
chance of our being seen even though the shallop 
lay close alongside.” 

Eeuben and I took up the oars, Zenas thresh- 
ing his arms to and fro as his share of the exer- 
cise, and we stole nearer and nearer the ship in 
which was so much of misery, until we were not 
more than twenty yards distant from her. 


THE ATTEMPT. 


243 


Here we could distinguish only the riding lights 
and the glow from the cabin windows ; all else 
was shrouded in darkness so profound that I be- 
gan to fear we might not be able to make out the 
head of a swimmer until he was close aboard of 
us. 

If the sentinels paced the deck, we were igno- 
rant of such fact because of not being able to see 
anything smaller than the shadow of the ship it- 
self ; but I felt confident that there was never a 
Britisher so devoted to duty as to expose himself 
to the freezing rain. 

We lay off the ship on the starboard hand with 
two pairs of oars in the row-locks, but not daring 
to whisper, and I even imagined that the chatter- 
ing of our teeth might be heard in case the Brit- 
ishers were on the alert. 

After remaining here half an hour or more Zenas 
began to realize, as he afterward told me, that 
it would be impossible for us to see a man if one 
dropped over the side of the ship, and, fearing 
lest our countrymen might make the attempt at 
escape only to be drowned, he gently sculled the 
shallop with the steering-oar until she was with- 
in less than a dozen feet of the ship. 

Here, even though it had been broad day, we 
would have been hidden from view unless one 


244 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


craned his neck over the rail, because of being 
sheltered by the ship’s side, and in such position 
it was possible to make out faintly the outline of 
the ports. 

How long we remained there waiting for the 
prisoners to do their share of the work I am un- 
able to say ; it seemed to me as if we had been 
motionless two hours or more, although as a 
matter of fact it could not have been half as long, 
when I was startled almost into an exclamation 
of surprise by seeing that for which we had been 
waiting so feverishly. 

A dark form suddenly appeared extended from 
one of the ports downward to the water, and even 
as I gazed it dropped, disappearing from my 
view. 

The prisoners had succeeded in opening the way 
to freedom,' and the first of those who would 
escape was already in the water. 

Zenas had seen all that was presented to my 
view, and he swung the bow of the shallop yet 
nearer the ship. 

Eeuben and I stretched our bodies far out over 
the gunwale, searching with our eyes for the 
swimmer, and even while thus engaged I under- 
stood, rather than saw, that a second prisoner 
was letting himself down from the port. 



We worked as do those who know that death is hovering near, heedless of all 
else for the time being.— Page 245. Amos Dunkel. 













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THE ATTEMPT. 


245 


Now was our work cut out for us ; I managed 
to get a hand-hold on the hair of the first man, 
who proved to be Abel Cummings, and towed him 
to the bow lest the shallop should he overset if 
I attempted to take him in at any other place. 

Before my task was finished Eeuben was en- 
gaged in the same work, and my man was hardly 
more than over the gunwale before I saw Zenas 
clutch a third who was willing to brave death in 
an effort to escape. 

We worked as do those who know that death is 
hovering near, and heedless of all else for the 
time being save the task in hand. 

When I had an opportunity to look about me 
five men were crouching in the bottom of the 
shallop, loading her so deep in the water that any- 
thing in the nature of a swell would have swamped 
us off-hand, for our gunwale was no more than a 
couple of inches above the surface. 

Surely it was time we looked after the safety of 
our passengers and ourselves ; but yet Zenas gave 
no token that he was ready to leave that most 
dangerous place. It was not probable we could 
remain there many moments longer without hear- 
ing an alarm caused by the disappearance of such 
as had taken refuge with us, and, trembling with 
nervous fear, I leaned over the man nearest, who 


246 AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

was the prisoner from Jamaica, asking in a 
whisper : 

How many of you were in the secret ? ” 

‘‘Six. There is yet one to come. He re- 
mained until the last to do what he could toward 
screening us from view.” 

I was in an agony of apprehension, as well I 
might be, for now were we in as much danger 
from friends as from foes. 

If some of the more desperate prisoners learned 
of what was going on, they might make a break, 
when our craft would be swamped, or discovered 
while she remained so near alongside that the 
Britishers could readily shoot us down. 

“Was it agreed that he should linger many 
seconds ? ” I asked, after having remained silent 
while one might have counted ten. 

“ He was to follow close at our heels.” 

I would willingly have given anything in my 
possession if Zenas would give the signal to begin 
the flight, and yet had I been in command it is 
likely I would have hesitated, as did my brother, 
for there came before my mind’s eye a picture 
of this sixth man dropping over the ship’s side 
after we had pulled away, and drowning because 
of having trusted in our keeping faith. 

I began slipping into the water such portion 


THE ATTEMPT. 


247 


of our produce as could be come at most handily, 
iu order to lighten the shallop, keeping my eyes 
fixed meanwhile on the yawning port above my 
head, and was thus engaged when a sharp report 
rang out, sounding to my excited senses as loud 
as any cannon, while almost at the same instant 
came a shrill cry as of a strong man in mortal 
agony. 


/ i 
. / 


248 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


CHAPTEE XIII. 

FOR LIFE. 

We in the shallop did not need to be told that 
he whom we had been waiting for would never in 
this world answer a summons, and with such 
knowledge came a sense of our own danger, 
greater and more overpowering than can be de- 
scribed by words. 

It seemed almost certain that the side of the 
ship would, in a twinkling, be hung with lan- 
terns in order that those who had made their 
way through the port might be seen, and when 
this should be done we were lost. 

At the instant I was conscious only of an 
intense desire to pull the boat out into the dark- 
ness, and the knowledge that within a very few 
seconds we would serve as targets for the soldiers 
on board the J ersey ; but, afterward, I came to 
understand how wise Zenas had been when he 
mapped out in advance the part each of us 
should play at the decisive moment. 

At that instant I question if I could have un- 


FOR LIFE. 


2L9 


derstood a command, even though it had been 
bawled into my ear ; but without really knowing 
what I did — mechanically, so to speak, I per- 
formed the task before us in accordance with a 
certain mental prompting over which I had no 
control. 

The oars were already in the row-locks ; 
straightening my body, I grasped them and 
began to pull, glancing quickly in front and be- 
hind me to catch stroke with my comrades when 
they were ready to begin the race. 

Thus it was that the shallop had moved a 
dozen feet or more from the side of the Jersey 
when Zenas and Eeuben were in position to per- 
form their share of the task, and in a very few 
seconds after hearing the report of the musket, 
the three of us were rowing for dear life. 

There was little need for us to have a care lest 
our oars rattle in the row-locks ; there was such 
a tumult on board the Jersey that we might have 
shouted without fear of being overheard, and 
Zenas said to the man nearest him : 

‘‘You and your comrades had best throw over- 
board all the produce that can be come at. The 
boat is full deep in the water for speed, and we 
shall be the gainers for every ounce of weight 
you can pitch out.” 


250 AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

I can well fancy that the men were glad of an 
opportunity for action ; to have remained in- 
active at such a time must have been terrible for 
one’s nerves, and my brother had hardly more 
than signified his desire before all five were grop- 
ing around in the bottom of the shallop search- 
ing for such of the cargo as might not be needed. 

Then through the mist formed by the rain we 
saw many lanterns flash out, and while I was 
saying to myself that we need have no fear re- 
garding such a feeble illumination as that, a jet 
of flame spouted out from the side of the ship, 
throwing into sharpest relief against the black 
sky our boat with all her living freight. 

An alarm gun had been fired, and it also served 
to search us out as nothing else could have done. 

Bend low ; but pull your best ! ” Zenas cried 
in a low, sharp tone, and even as he spoke the 
rattle of musketry rang out. I could hear the 
whistling of the bullets as they flew over our 
heads, and yet strangely enough, as it then seemed 
to me, no one was hurt. 

An instant later we could hear the word of 
command from the ship, and another shower of 
bullets passed over and all around us without 
inflicting injury. 

I was literally dazed because we had escaped 


FOR LIFE. 


251 

instant death, and heard as if from afar off 
Zenas’ warning cry : 

‘‘ Pull for your lives, lads ! We can soon be 
out of range ! ” 

It was to me as if I had the strength of two 
men ; the oars seemed to bend almost double 
under the strain I put upon them, and the hissing 
of the water beneath our boat’s bow was like 
unto the whir of a saw through soft wood. 

The bay which had been so quiet a few seconds 
previous, was now a scene of excitement such as 
I had never before witnessed. From every craft, 
whether prison-ship or dingy transport, lights 
flashed, and out of the side of each man-of-war 
poured a long tongue of flame as every one in 
turn discharged a gun of alarm. 

Where a moment ago nothing could be seen 
but the shadowy outlines of spar and hull as 
they were partially veiled by the driving mist, 
lights were twinkling until it was as if every 
square yard of the bay had been illuminated. 

Faintly, when the wind lulled ever so slightly, 
could be heard shouts of command, and even 
those on the shore had caught the infection, for 
we could see plainly that people were running to 
and fro with lanterns as if fleeing for their lives. 

Surely Moses, who would not have failed to 


25'2 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


keep a lookout when the storm set in, knowing 
full well we would make the attempt if possible, 
must have full knowledge of what had happened, 
and it did not require any great stretch of im- 
agination to picture his distress, caused chiefly 
by suspense. 

Of a verity had I been in his place and he in 
mine, I would have set it down as a fact that the 
venture had gone awry, because it did not seem 
as if we could escape after the enemy were so 
thoroughly aroused to our purpose. 

They killed poor Bartlett ! ’’ one of our passen- 
gers said with a sigh, as he pushed at my oars in 
the hope of increasing the speed ever so slightly, 
and it stands to reason we will have all the 
boats in the bay pursuing us before many minutes 
have passed.” 

Are you armed, lads ? ” another asked grimly, 
and Zenas replied, trying in vain to impart a 
cheery ring to his voice : 

‘^Aye, sir, and with ammunition in plenty.” 
‘'Then we’ll flght to the death, for I’m not 
minded to be taken back to that terrible place 
alive. ” 

That’s about the way we’ve figured it out, 
sir,” Zenas said as he tugged like a giant at his 
oars. “It’s hanging for us if we’re caught, and 


FOR LIFE. 


253 


before beginning the work this night we decided 
that it was better to be shot down while strug- 
gling for life, than to slowly choke at the end of 
a rope.” 

Then came a time of silence lasting ten seconds, 
perhaps, and one of the escaping prisoners asked 
abruptly : 

How did it happen that you risked your lives 
to save those who were strangers ? ” 

Captain Adam Hyler set us about the task, 
and we were all the more willing, speaking now 
for myself and my brothers, because of having 
sworn fealty to the king not so many days ago.” 

Where was your home ?” 

‘‘ Flushing. Our father is Seth Dunkel.” 

I know him well for an honest man ; but sup- 
posed him to be devoted to the king.” 

‘^So he was until General Woodhull was so 
basely murdered, and then he believed it was time 
to change his coat. We ” 

At that instant I, having my eyes fixed upon 
the tracery of spars which I knew represented the 
Jersey, saw a belching of flame from her side, 
and while my eyes were yet dazzled by the sight 
I heard the roaring of a large body in the air 
above me. 

They’ve opened the big guns,” Eeuben said in 


254 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


a matter-of'fact tone as if he was accustomed to 
such pleasantries, '' and even though they fail of 
sinking us, the glare of the burning powder serves 
to show our whereabouts.” 

It was impossible to increase the speed. Every- 
thing save the weapons and ammunition had been 
thrown overboard in order to lighten the shallop, 
and we could do no more or no less than allow 
them to work their will. That we would finally 
come out with our lives I did not believe ; it 
seemed certain we must be swamped or killed by 
a ball, and timorous though I naturally was, at 
this time the supposed fact did not disturb me 
greatly. 

No one on board the shallop spoke during the 
next two minutes, and then another gun was dis- 
charged j but this time we failed to hear anything 
of the ball. In the glare, however, I could make 
out two boats filled with men, and pulling di- 
rectly toward us. 

‘'The chase has begun,” Zenas said quietly, 
" and before many moments they will be forced 
to give up using the big guns, or take the chances 
of killing their own men.” 

" I hope they may continue to use them until 
having made certain we did not stop anywhere 
along shore, otherwise Moses will be in trouble.” 


FOR LIFE. 


255 


‘‘ Have you another comrade near at hand ? ” 
one of our passengers asked, and in a few words 
Zenas explained the situation. 

‘‘You are brave lads,” the man said emphat- 
ically, “ and my one hope is that I may be able, 
some day, to give better proof of gratitude than 
can be done by mere words.” 

“It is enough for us if we get you safely 
away, sir ; but I’m thinking that soon all hands 
of us will be where gratitude as known in this 
world, is of but little account.” 

Then it was that Keuben aroused himself to 
say in a tone of conviction which heartened 
me wonderfully : 

“I’m counting on remaining in this life many 
a day, even though an hundred or more Britishers 
are in the chase. What chance have they, while 
night holds so dark, of overtaking us. We know 
every turn of the river, while most likely they’ve 
never been half a mile north of Wallabout Bay ; 
if we don’t make good our escape, it will be be- 
cause of our own carelessness, or the result of an 
accident which couldn’t have been foreseen.” 

“ Good for you ! ” Zenas cried. “ That’s the 
sort of talk we’re needing just now, and you shall 
make us believe that Moses will pull through all 
right.” 


256 


AMOS DtJNKEL, OARSMAN. 


IVe got a plan in my head which I^m think- 
ing will work fairly well for him. ” 

What is it?” I asked eagerly, for at this 
time when we w^ere in such peril, my keenest 
fears were regarding him. 

^^I’ll save my breath in order to pull the better, 
and when the time comes that we may hold up, 
you shall hear what I’d do to help the lad if I 
was in command.” 

The storm w’as increasing in force each in- 
stant ; the wind howled and shrieked until we 
might have passed wdthin half a musket-shot of 
our pursuers without betraying our where- 
abouts by the thud of the oars, while the rain, 
coming down in more volume, formed a curtain 
which hid everything outside a radius of a few 
yards. 

It was just the night for work such as ours, 
and as I grew sufficiently calm to understand 
what was going on around me , I realized that 
the chances were decidedly in our favor. 

It was no longer possible to distinguish anything 
in the direction from which we had just come. 
The second discharge of the big gun was the last, 
so far as we knew, and I could not believe the 
British soldiers would pull their heavy boats any 
very great distance against such big odds, for it 


FOR LIFE. 257 

was as if the elements were conspiring against 

them. 

None but those who were fleeing for their very 
lives would have kept to the river at such a time, 
when there was indeed danger that they might 
freeze to death. 

Such thoughts as these had just shaped them- 
selvs in my mind when Zenas gave the word to 
slacken speed. 

There is no reason why we should wind our- 
selves when the enemy cannot be seen. Pull 
moderately till we get our breath once more, and 

then, if it seems necessary, we can put on an- 
other spurt.” 

Then it was that the prisoners insisted on tak- 
ing our places at the oars in order to quicken 
the chilled blood in their veins. Their clothing 
was sodden with water, and I could understand 
that to give them an opportunity for exercise 
would be no more than a favor, therefore I 
readily yielded up my oars to the man nearest. 

My comrades did the same, and when we three 
were comparatively idle, save that Zenas took 
upon himself the task of steering, Eeuben said 
slowly, as if broaching some subject which was 
not of very great importance : 

Do you lads remember that when we came 

17 


258 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


down this way, after having taken our produce 
on board, we saw a house not far from the mouth 
of Wallabout Bay ? ’’ 

^‘1 recall it to mind,’’ Zenas said quickly. 
‘^It was little better than a log shanty.” 

‘^Aye; but in front of it, on the shore, did 
you note a skiff of much the same size of this 
boat ? ” 

Yes, that I saw, and wondered why the owner 
left her where she might readily be stolen.” 

‘^Well,” Eeuben continued, ^‘it is my plan 
that you set Amos and myself on shore in order 
that we may steal the boat.” 

We are two miles or more beyond the house.” 

It won’t be any very hard task to walk hack ; 
by following the shore we shan’t run the risk of 
going astray.” 

‘ ‘ But a craft like her isn’t worth the stealing. 
Captain Hyler already has as many small boats 
as he can use conveniently.” 

It wasn’t in my mind that he would care for 
her. With these men whom we have rescued, 
you’ve got crew enough to take the shallop into 
Smithtown Bay, and if we get hold of another 
craft, Amos and I can go hack for Moses and his 
prisoners. This is just the night for such work, 
and I’ll guarantee that we can put many a good 


FOR LIFE. 


259 


mile between all hands of us and Wallabout Bay 
before the storm clears away.” 

In a twinkling I understood all that Eeuben 
would do, and my heart went out to him as it 
never had to any other human being save my 
mother. 

He had shown us a way by which Moses might 
be brought off before the Britishers could begin 
a search alongshore, and but for the fact that it 
was not convenient to move about while the 
shallop was loaded so heavily, I would have 
hugged the quick-witted lad. 

Zenas understood at once what this comrade 
had proposed, and said with deepest feeling : 

won’t forget, Eeuben, that it was you who 
first showed us what might be done toward aid- 
ing my brother. When is it your idea to be set 
ashore ? ” 

The sooner the better, unless Amos wants 
more of a tramp than is necessary. There can 
be no danger in heading for the beach now, and 
once we two have left you, the shallop will pull 
more easily.” 

Zenas listened intently for a few seconds in 
order to make certain he could not hear the oars 
of the enemy, and then swung the steering-oar 
hard down, bringing our craft around on her heel. 


260 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


Almost any other lad would have been at a loss 
to lay the proper course while it was so dark that 
he who sat in the stern-sheets could hardly more 
than distinguish the form of his comrade in 
the bow ; but Zenas was one who could ‘‘ feel 
the channel,” my father often said, and I never 
knew him to be at fault however dark the 
night. 

“We must take one pair of oars,” Eeuben said 
when we were supposed to be heading for the 
shore. “It isn’t certain we shall find any in the 
boat, and even if we do, two pairs won’t come 
amiss.” 

“Take everything you want,” Zenas said im- 
pulsively. “It is unfortunate that in our desire 
to lighten the shallop we threw all the provisions 
over.” 

“ We’ll contrive to get along without anything 
save the oars and our muskets. As for food, 
Moses has a supply with him, and we shan’t 
suffer.” 

“Cease rowing!” Zenas cried when, strain 
my eyes as I might, I could see no signs of our 
being near the shore, and in another instant the 
boat’s bow grated on the sand. 

Eeuben looked after our outfit ; that is to say, 
he selected the stoutest oars^ made certain we had 


FOR LIFE. 261 

an ample supply of powder and ball, and handed 
me my musket as he said ; 

‘‘We’ll load the weapons before starting, for 
I’m not minded to be stopped on the way by either 
Tory or Britisher. Push off, Zenas ; there’s no 
good reason why you should linger for us, who 
need to put as many miles as possible between you 
and Wallabout Bay before morning. Amos and I 
are in good trim for the tramp ; we’re not heavily 
loaded, and the frost in the air will force us to 
strike out at a lively pace.” 

Those whom we had rescued would have spoken 
many words to us in parting ; but Zenas put an 
end to the conversation by saying sharply : 

“We don’t indulge in anything of that kind, 
gentlemen. A fellow’s courage might be shaken 
by a simple word at such a time.” 

“I’ll guarantee that there’s nothing which can 
shake the courage of you lads ! ” the man said 
emphatically, and Eeuben cut the parting short 
by shoving the shallop out into the river. 

We stood there only so long as was necessary 
in order to load our weapons, and then Eeuben 
said as he tucked the musket u»nder his coat in 
such a manner that the flint and pan would be 
protected from the rain : 

“I count on leading the way, and you shall 


262 AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

follow close behind. WeVe no concern with what 
may lie to seaward ; but must keep our weather 
eye lifting for that boat. I don’t care to walk 
any further than is necessary.” 

Even though it might have been perfectly safe 
to do so, I was not in the humor for walking, 
therefore we began and continued the march 
without speaking a word until we came upon the 
boat which Reuben had noted when we rowed 
down the river. 

In her was a fairly good pair of oars, a small 
sail, and some lines for fishing. From appear- 
ances T would have said that her owner was a 
poor man, who most likely gained a livelihood by ' 
fishing, and under almost any' other circumstances 
I could not have had the heart to steal her ; but it 
was to save the life of my brother, and there could 
be no hesitation even though the crime had been 
much greater. • 

Now it stands us in hand to know who may 
be ahead of us,” Reuben said as he pushed the 
skiff off and leaped into her. I’m not counting 
that there’s any chance the Britishers may yet 
be in pursuit of their late prisoners ; but, it 
is possible, and we don’t care to run afoul of 
them.” 

'' Take the steering oar, Reuben. You shall be 


FOR LIFE. 


263 


captain, and I’ll do the rowing. It’s your ven- 
ture, and my part is simply to obey orders.” 

It’s a venture in which we share and share 
alike,” the dear lad said stoutly ; but, realizing 
that we could make better speed if some one 
stood at the helm, he gave me the first trick at the 
oars. 

Half an hour later, when he was thoroughly 
chilled and I warm with exercise, we shifted 
work, and then it was that, for the first time 
since leaving Zenas, I realized how cold was the 
air. 

The rain and the frost combined to give us a 
thick coating of ice over our clothing, and when 
one remained inactive a few minutes he soon had 
good proof that it was anything rather than a 
pleasant night in which to be abroad. 

From this time on we changed tasks as often as 
once every ten minutes until we were come, at 
near about midnight, to the vicinity of where we 
had left Moses. 

Now it was necessary that we land and search 
for the lad, and, pulling the skiff up beyond reach 
of the tide, we went forward, stopping every 
dozen yards to call Moses’ name. 

What with the howling of the wind and the 
swish of the rain, it was not likely he would be 


264 : 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


able to hear us from any great distance, there- 
fore this portion of our venture progressed very 
slowly ; but, fortunately, came to a successful 
end finally. 

It seemed to me as if we must have gone half 
around the bay and were opposite the prison- 
ships, when we heard an answer to our hail, and 
in another instant I was clasped in my brother’s 
arms. 

Where is Zenas ? ” he asked tremulously, 
after peering into Eeuben’s face. Did they get 
him ? ” 

‘^No, and I’m counting that it’ll be many a 
long day before they round the lad up with a short 
turn. He’s on the way to Smithtown Bay, with 
a crew of five whom we rescued from the Jersey,” 
I said triumphantly. 

But I heard them firing at you ! ” 

‘‘ Aye, Moses ; but it’s one thing to shoot, and 
quite another to hit the target. The escape was 
discovered after five had been taken on board the 
shallop, and then we gave the Britishers the 
slip.” 

Even now the dear lad could not understand 
the situation because of the fact that we two stood 
before him, and I was forced to tell the entire 
story before he was satisfied. 


FOR LIFE. 265 

Then he gripped Reuben by the hand to show 
that he appreciated the friendliness, and led us 
into the thicket where were his prisoners covered 
with boughs to keep t*he rain from them. 

We’re bound to set off at once, Moses,” I said, 
when the lad sat down on the wet ground as if 
it was his purpose to hear yet more regarding 
our work. This shore will be swarming with 
redcoats by sunrise, and we must be many a good 
mile away by that time.” 

What with the provisions and spare ammuni- 
tion, there’s quite a load to be carried to youi* 
skiff,” he said musingly, and Reuben took charge 
of affairs by crying : 

‘‘Load up the prisoners, for it’s no more than 
right they should have some part of the work, 
and let us set out. I shan’t feel really comfort- 
able in mind until we’re well past Oyster Bay.” 

As Reuben suggested, so we did, although 
Simon Hunt made a great ado because we forced 
him to carry a portion of the food which he would 
consume, and, as nearly as I could guess, it was 
about two o’clock in the morning when we em- 
barked in the skiff, the prisoners lying in the 
bottom of the boat securely bound, Moses and 
Reuben at the oars, and I steering with a bit of 
board we had found in the bow. 


266 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


CHAPTEE XIV. 

SMITHTOWN BAY. 

It is not to be supposed that we spent our 
breath in talking, once the skiff was under way. 
We had good reasons for pushing on at the 
top of our speed until sunrise, when it would be 
necessary to go into hiding because we had no 
pass to show in event of running upon a Tory or 
British craft. 

It was reasonable to suppose the British would 
search the shores of the bay next morning, in 
the belief that there would be found some token 
of those who had planned the escape, and it was 
not beyond the bounds of probability that, failing 
in their purpose, a reconnoissance might be made 
even as far as Long Island Sound. 

It stood us in hand to get through Hell Gate 
before the day had fairly dawned, and once over 
the rapids there were hiding-places in plenty 
where we might remain many hours without fear 
of being discovered. 

The chief thought in my mind, and I afterward 


SMITHTOWN BAY. 


267 


came to know that my comrades were troubled 
from the same cause, was that our success had 
rendered most dangerous the position of the other 
boats from Captain Hyler’s fleet. 

We knew that the two skiffs, whose occupants 
had been bent on the same business as ourselves, 
were somewhere in Wallabout Bay on the eve- 
ning we brought our task to a successful con- 
clusion, and it was certain they had not been able 
to effect their escape. 

It stood to reason that the lads liad understood 
the meaning of the sudden commotion ; but if, 
as I believed, they were between the prison- ships 
and the shore, or, what was more likely, in some 
shelter on the island, there was no hope of their 
being able to get away until the Britishers had 
settled down once more. 

All this was in my mind as we tugged at the 
oars during the remaining hours of darkness ; 
but not until we were in a place of comparative 
safety did I give words to the thoughts. 

In order that each of us might get a sufficient 
amount of exercise to prevent him from suffering 
with the cold, we changed places every ten or 
fifteen minutes, and thus it was that we were 
fresh — even eager — for the task all the time. 

The rain continued ; the wind, which had been 


268 


AMOS DUNKEL, OAHSMAN. 


from the eastward, began to veer toward the 
north, and the temperature was falling each 
hour. 

When finally we were come to Hell Gate, as 
the night was giving way to a new day, Moses 
took command of the skiff, for he alone was 
capable of navigating that dangerous water-way. 

I plied a pair of oars ; Moses held one of the 
others as a rudder, and Eeuben stood in the bow 
to fend off if by any misadventure our frail craft 
ran too near the jagged rocks. 

The passage was made without difficulty. I 
felt certain such would be the case while my 
brother was at the helm, and then we continued 
the journey until the day was fully come, wdien 
Moses steered the craft into a tiny cove where we 
might lie safely hidden unless, perchance, search 
was made alongshore. 

The sun had cleared away the clouds ; the rain 
ceased ; but the air was full of frost, and I looked 
forward to a day of suffering, for it was neces- 
sary we remain hidden without opportunity of 
taking exercise. 

Moses had a plan of his own, however, which 
was the same he had adopted while lying con- 
cealed on the shore of Wallabout Bay. 

A small pit was dug— not without difficulty be- 


SMITHTOWN BAY. 


^69 


cause of the frost — within the thicket, and over 
this, bottom up, we placed the skiff. Then a fire 
of twigs was built, and in less than half an hour 
all hands of us were as snug and comfortable as 
could be desired. 

As with our bodies, so it was with our minds. 

We had the supreme satisfaction of knowing 
that our venture had been well planned and per- 
fectly executed ; that we were in a fair way of 
rejoining our comrades without having suffered 
any loss, and, what was far better, after having 
released from a living death five countrymen 
whose only crime was that of a desire to free the 
colonies from the rule of the king. 

Surely we three lads had good cause for con- 
tentment. 

Reuben overhauled the stores, and dealt out a 
hearty breakfast for all hands ; the prisoners 
were partially freed from their bonds, after hav- 
ing been warned that death would be the penalty 
of their making any outcry, and, but for the 
thought of those of Captain Hyler’s company who 
yet remained nearabout the prison-ships, I should 
have enjoyed myself most thoroughly. 

Simon Hunt did not venture to make any com- 
plaint ; but his companion, whose name we 
learned was David Lombard, appeared to feel 


270 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


particularly . aggrieved because we had deprived 
him of his freedom. He protested against being 
thus held prisoner, and had much to say regard- 
ing the revenge which his people would take upon 
us when the Britishers had reduced the rebellious 
colonists to subjection. 

Yet you counted on capturing us, whom you 
had never seen, simply that so many dollars-xof 
blood-money might be earned,” I said, angered 
by the high and mighty airs the fellow displayed. 

‘'That was only what a loyal subject should 
do,” he replied stubbornly. 

“And do you think that a Yankee has abso- 
lutely no right to protect himself ? ” 

“ He hasn’t if by so doing he goes counter to 
the wishes or commands of his majesty.” 

“ Then in your opinion we should have tamely 
submitted to being made prisoners when you and 
Simon Hunt announced your purpose ? ” I asked 
with a laugh which had in it more of anger than 
mirth. 

“ You are rebels and as such should submit when 
those in authority demand submission,” he replied 
with an air of superiority which yet further ex- 
cited my anger, whereupon Moses, understand- 
ing that I was fast losing temper, said good- 
naturedly : 


SMITHTOWN BAY. 


271 


‘^Why bandy words with such a thick-head, 
Amos ? It is enough that we have him fast, and 
will soon turn him over to those rebels who can 
give convincing proof that they, as well as 
his majesty, have prisons and men to guard 
them.” 

You will soon come to repent of your ways,” 
the lad said in a tone of conviction, and I turned 
my head away lest I might be tempted to do that 
which the Britishers were not afraid of doing — 
ill-treat a prisoner. 

Then, to change the subject of conversation, I 
spoke of that which had been almost constantly 
in my mind since this last stage of the journey 
was begun. 

‘‘ What about those of Captain Hyler’s company 
who set out with the same purpose we did ? ” I 
asked. May we not have rescued five prisoners 
only to give the enemy eight others ? ” 

‘‘What do you mean?” Moses asked in 
surprise. 

“ The lads who manned the oj]her boats belong- 
ing to Captain Hyler’s fleet were in Wallabout 
Bay when the escape was discovered, and it is not 
likely they had any opportunity of getting away. 
Not knowing what was being done, nor where we 
might be, they must have remained in hiding 


272 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


while search was being made, and this morning 
finds them where it is likely they’ll be called upon 
to give a strict account of themselves.” 

It seemed as if Moses and Reuben had not given 
this possibility a thought, for straightway they 
fell silent, and the Tory cub Lombard showed 
evidence of most intense satisfaction. 

So it ever will be. Those who rebel against 
his majesty must always get the worst of the 
bargain, as your Mr. Washington has come to 
understand by this time.” 

Hark you. Master Tory ! ” I cried, now 
nearly beside myself with rage. Take my ad- 
vice and keep a still tongue, else I may be tempted 
to give you the same dose which that brute of a 
Cunningham deals out to honest men, even though 
I should afterward be ashamed of myself for all 
time to come. It is said that in New York help- 
less prisoners are flogged, and the same may 
happen out here in the open, unless you grow 
wiser ! ” 

This threat, and the Tory must have under- 
stood that I meant all I said, reduced Lombard 
to silence, and Moses said thoughtfully : 

‘‘We cannot be blamed for having brought 
trouble upon those who manned the other boats. 
It was Captain Hyler’s suggestion that each crew 


SMITHTOWN BAY. 


2T3 


act independently of the other, and even though 
we were so disposed, it would have been impossible 
for us to have explained our plans without put^ 
ting them in jeopardy. If those poor lads are 
captured it is the fortune of war, and cannot now 
be mended.” 

Then Eeuben, whose heart I doubted not was 
sore with the thought that his friends were, or soon 
might be, in the hands of the enemy, put an end 
to the conversation by suggesting that we take 
advantage of the opportunity to sleep. One was 
to remain on guard while two gave themselves 
up to rest, and the sentinel would be relieved 
every hour, thus insuring an equality of labor 
and repose. 

It is needless that I go over in detail all the 
doings of our small party during the day. 

We saw neither friend nor foe, and when the 
shadows of evening began to lengthen, were in 
good condition for a full night’s work. 

During the hours of darkness we pulled stead- 
ily, using all the oars, and changing places 
at regular intervals in order that the helmsman 
might spell the others. 

Then came another day in hiding, and another 
night’s work. In such fashion was the journey 
continued until we entered Smithtown Bay, and 

j8 


274 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


were hailed by the sentinel on duty, for Captain 
Hyler held the encampment under strict military 
rules. 

I would it might be possible for me to set down, 
so that he who reads could picture the scene, 
that which was said and done when it was known 
we had arrived ; hut the task is far beyond my 
poor powers. 

Zenas and my father were the first to greet us. 
Then came the five prisoners who had been res- 
cued ; and following them was Captain Hyler 
himself. 

Every man in the encampment seemed to think 
it necessary he should speak some word of praise, 
and by the time we were at liberty to settle down 
there was great fear lest we had been so puffed 
up by pride as to render us practically useless 
for further work. 

Now it was that, after we had told our story 
and delivered the two prisoners into the log jail 
where it was certain they would he securely held, 
we began to ask questions, and continued at 
such occupation until having learned all that had 
been done during our absence. 

Zenas and the liberated prisoners arrived safely 
at the encampment with no further adventure 
than that of being chased, just at nightfall, by 


SMITHTOWN BAY. 


275 


the guard-ship on duty at the mouth of Oyster Bay. 
Thanks to the darkness, which shut in shortly 
after the Britishers had sighted the shallop, the 
enemy were soon lost to view, and from that time 
on the fugitives had no other trouble than that 
of pulling the heavily laden boat against a head 
wind. 

We also understood that Captain Hyler and his 
men had not been idle. 

They had made an expedition against the Tories 
in Jamaica, and brought off stores, clothing, and 
hard cash to such an amount that each man 
received as his share, after a full half had been 
taken for the general fund, no less than eight 
dollars. 

Therefore it was that we Dunkels found our- 
selves in possession of more money than we had 
ever before owned at one time. Surely this 
whale-boat navy was something not to be despised 
by either Whig or Tory ; it was self-sustaining, 
and he who joined was not continually figuring as 
to when his time of service should expire that he 
might go home for a while. 

If General Washington could have enlisted 
recruits as did Captain Hyler, then of a verity 
would the so-called rebellion have been triumphant 
in far less time than was afterward required. 


276 


AMOS DUNKEL, OAESMAN. 


Captain Downes still remained a prisoner. 
The British refused to exchange even a single 
American prisoner for him, and the Tories did 
not appear to grieve very much because he was 
kept in confinement. 

Elijah Cornwall, he who had carelessly allowed 
Simon Hunt and Micah Williams to escape on 
the day when we captured Lieutenant Colonel 
Emerick, was the only one out of all that company 
who did not appear eager to welcome us who 
had lately come from Wallabout Bay, and I set 
down his offishness to shame at having let Simon 
slip through his fingers so readily ; but came 
later to understand the true reason, after which I 
was convinced that he and the Tory Hunt were in 
a plot together, even at that early day when we 
had full confidence in him. 

The Princess was yet in our hands, and Captain 
Hyler had no idea of giving her up to those friends 
of the king who claimed to own her. She was a 
handy craft, particularly if it so chanced that we 
wanted a quick run outside, and a valuable addi- 
tion to our fleet. My father had been appointed 
captain of her, and since Captain Hyler had prom- 
ised that we Dunkels should work together, I had 
little doubt but that my brothers and myself would 
sail in the sloop many times before the winter was 


SMITHTOWN BAY. 277 

SO far advanced that the water-ways would be 
impassable. 

A few hours after our arrival Eeuben came to 
me with the information that he had seen 
Elijah Cornwall conversing eagerly, and in a 
friendly manner, with Simon Hunt, through the 
window of the prison, and although this news 
gave me no uneasiness at the time, I wondered 
how it was a Whig could descend so low as to 
put on a pretense of friendliness with one who 
was as bitter against the colonists as Simon had 
ever showed himself to be. 

‘‘ Perhaps he is trying to learn how the Tory 
gave him the slip,” I said with a laugh, when 
Reuben had come to an end of his budget. Of 
course there’s no chance Elijah would play the 
traitor ? ” 

I don’t think so badly of him as that ; but it 
is strange that ’Lige should show friendliness 
for the villain when he has hardly given us a wel- 
come home after all the dangers we encountered.” 

‘‘Keep your eyes and ears open, Reuben, and I 
will do the same. If it so be there is any mischief 
brewing we’ll soon come to the bottom of it,” I 
replied carelessly enough, for I could not have 
been persuaded then that Elijah would do the 
slightest wrong to the Cause. 


278 AMOS DUNKEL, OAKSMAN. 

It would have been farwiser had we two lads 
gone directly to Captain Hyler at that moment, 
as was our duty, for then much trouble would 
have been saved our company ; but we were not 
yet the good servants of the colonists we believed 
ourselves to be. 

We won’t have much of a chance to watch 
’Lige, for I’m told that he is to leave the encamp- 
ment to-morrow morning on a scout. The cap- 
tain counts on worrying the Tories hereabouts as 
much as possible, and we must have spies out in 
order to know where a successful blow can be 
struck,” Eeuben said placidly, and this last bit of 
information was sufficient to quiet my mind if 
it had been disturbed, which was not the case. 

Half an hour later, that is to say, after supper 
had been eaten and all hands were gathered 
around a roaring fire in the main building which 
served as barracks. Captain Hyler gave further 
proof of the care he exercised over his men, by 
calling upon any of them to suggest what might 
be done to aid those whom we had left on the 
shores of Wallabout Bay. 

‘^They are in sore straits through having man- 
fully done their duty, and if we can lend a help- 
ing hand it must be done.” 

No one made reply ; most likely because, like 


SMITHTOWN BAY. 279 

myself, all were at a loss to know how anything 
might be accomplished. 

Then the captain called upon Zenas for an opin- 
ion, and the lad said that which I would have put 
into words had I been as quick-witted as he. 

‘‘It is certain no help can be given unless a 
party goes there by land, for I’m inclined to think 
the Britishers will be more than usually careful 
in examining passes after what we’ve done, and 
its certain that he who tries to trade with the 
prisoners will be called upon to prove himself 
loyal to the king in some other way than by giv- 
ing his word to that effect.” 

“ It stands to reason they went ashore when 
the alarm was given,” Moses added. “That is 
what I would have done had I been in the same 
position, and if they did land, it would be much 
like searching for a needle in a haystack to look 
for them.” 

After some considerable talk it was decided that 
we could do nothing to aid the poor fellows ; they 
must work out their own escape, if indeed they 
were yet free, but the general opinion was that 
one or more had already been taken. 

I noted the fact, giving but little heed to it at 
the time, that Elijah Cornwall listened eagerly to 
every word which was said ; but without taking 


280 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


part in the conversation. There were many 
others who did the same, therefore it is not strange 
that I paid no especial attention to the interest he 
manifested. 

We had come to an end of the subject, mourn- 
ful though it was, and were speaking of what 
might he done to harass the enemy near at hand, 
when the sentinels reported that two men were 
near at hand in a skiff, and ten minutes later we 
were welcoming the messengers who had been 
sent to General Washington. 

They had performed the perilous journey in 
safety ; were accorded an interview with the 
Virginian gentleman who was at the head of our 
armies, and had now returned with orders, or a 
request, whichever it might he called, from him. 

The messengers had brought a letter to Captain 
Hyler, and after reading the written lines twice 
over our captain said as he handed the missive to 
my father : 

It seems, lads, as if a portion of our force can 
be of service with the army. The general writes 
that he would he pleased if I could send him 
twenty or more stout lads who are accustomed to 
handling boats, and in case it so chances that he 
has no use for them, they are to be allowed to re- 
turn without unnecessary delay. He praises your 


SMITHTOWN BAY. 


281 


activity, and hopes we may be able to send, from 
time to time, such information regarding the 
movements of the enemy in and around New 
York as will be of benefit to him.” 

Having thus spoken the captain paused as if 
he had nothing more to say, and we lads looked 
at each other in wonder and amazement. 

Why good hands at managing a boat might be 
needed in the army we could not so much as guess, 
and we did know that the soldiers were being 
driven here and there at the pleasure of the Brit- 
ish. 

In fact, it seemed to me just then, as if the 
general himself would have done well to seek our 
quarters, and remain until he had men enough 
to meet the Britishers on something like equal 
terms ; but of course I knew that the thought was 
a foolish one, even as it formed itself in my mind. 

Zenas was not content with such slight infor- 
mation as had been given, and asked curiously : 

Does the general propose that twenty or more 
of us shall try to reach him by traveling across 
country ? ” 

He appears to think we might go around by 
the way of the Delaware Eiver to Philadelphia,” 
Captain Hyler replied. 

‘‘And what work would we find there that 


282 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


would be of more service to the Cause than such 
as is being done in this section ? ” 

‘‘ That is what I can’t say, lad. Even though 
he was willing we should know his plans, itismot 
reasonable to suppose he would write down in so 
many words what he counts on doing, for there 
were many chances our lads would have been cap- 
tured when they came back. The question is, 
whether as large a number of you are willing to 
make the venture ? ” 

At this T managed to gather my wits quickly 
enough to say before any other could speak : 

We are ready for any venture, sir, which you 
require. It is not for us to say whether we will 
go here or there ; hut to obey orders.” 

That was spoken right well, my lad ; but 
I’m not counting on ordering a single one of you 
on other service. All hands have joined this 
company for the purpose of carrying on the war 
after our own peculiar fashion, and should not 
be required to perform other duties. I would be 
glad, however, if as many as are needed would 
volunteer.” 

In an instant more than thirty were standing, 
in token of a willingness to serve as the general 
might desire, and among that number were all 
of us Dunkels, much to my satisfaction. 


SMITHTOWN BAY. 


283 


reckon it will be a case of drawing lots,’’ 
the captain said with a hearty laugh. “Now 
that we have the volunteers, it only remains to 
decide how you will travel.” 

“I propose that the Princess he provisioned for 
the voyage,” my father said as he folded the 
letter after having read it carefully. “She will 
carry as many as are needed, and I know her to 
be a good sea-boat.” 

No one offered any objection to this proposi- 
tion, therefore it appeared to be decided that 
those who complied with the general’s request 
would set sail in what I considered a very com- 
fortable fashion. 

Then some one asked when the party would 
depart ; but this question Captain Hyler was not 
prepared to answer at once. 

“We will think it over,” he said laughingly. 
“ Master Dunkel and I must look into the matter 
a little more closely, and while that is being done 
I have laid out work enough to keep all hands 
from idleness. Cornwall, you and Smith are to 
set out at daybreak, and see to it that you get 
the lay of the land well in mind before coming 
back.” 

I understood by this that Elijah had already 
received his orders concerning the scouting which 


284 AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

was to be done next day, and, with the hope that 
he would be successful in finding some profitable 
point of attack for us, I laid down in a spare 
bunk, heartily glad of an opportunity to stretch 
out my limbs after spending so many days in the 
boat and so many nights curled up in the bushes. 


TREACHERY. 


285 


CHAPTER XV. 

TREACHERY. 

The noises made by the early risers awakened 
me shortly after daybreak next morning, and 
then Elijah Cornwall and a companion were 
on the point of leaving the building, armed and 
equipped as if for any emergency. 

My heart warmed toward the boy because of 
his apparent zeal in the work, and I said to my- 
self that it was childish indeed for me to cherish 
ill-feelings toward him because of Simon Hunt’s 
escape, since it was probably an accident which 
might have happened even if I had been on 
guard. 

Thoughts of this kind came into my mind 
while I was making ready to run down on the 
shore where I could wash my face and hands in 
the water of the bay, and I then resolved to for- 
get the mischief that might have come about 
through Elijah’s carelessness, particularly since 
Simon was once more our captive. 

Plenty of cold water on a frosty morning is 
calculated to put a fellow in the best condition, 


286 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


both mentally and bodily, and when my simple 
toilet had been made I felt at peace with all man- 
kind save Britishers and Tories. 

Captain Hyler and my father were standing on 
the shore opposite where the Princess lay at 
anchor, talking earnestly, and I did not venture 
to draw near lest they have secrets which it would 
not be well for me to know. 

I gazed around wondering what I should do to 
while away the time until breakfast was ready, 
and then it suddenly dawned upon me that our 
encampment was well worthy the attention of 
any person, not only because of its strength in 
case of an attack, but from a standpoint of real 
beauty. 

The four buildings stood in the form of a Greek 
cross, with a cleared space in the middle where 
the lads amused themselves with games when 
there was nothing to be done in the way of work. 
The two larger huts were on a line with each 
other, situated parallel with the shore, and be- 
tween them was a distance of perhaps thirty feet. 
The cook-house stood nearest the water, running 
back to form the cross, and thirty feet beyond 
was the prison. 

This little settlement was surrounded on three 
sides by the forest, and in front spread the broad 


TREACHERY. 


287 


expanse of the bay, on the waters of which, near 
the shore, lay our fleet of boats. Here, there 
and everywhere in the clearing were stout, vigor- 
ous lads engaged in work or sport, and lending 
such an air of life and excitement to the place as 
could not well be matched in any settlement. 

As a winter-quarters for our whale-boat navy 
it was unsurpassed, and in event of an attack, 
which was hardly probable, we would be able to 
And shelter for all hands, from which last place 
the fleet could also be protected. 

The only fault one might find with the en- 
campment was that the forest had not been 
cleared away sufficiently, because the trees would 
give an enemy ample opportunities for conceal- 
ment while making an attack. Had there been 
a full fifty yards of open space between the build- 
ings and the thicket, it would have been more to 
my idea of what might be required to make it a 
perfect rendezvous for such as Captain Hyler’s 
company. 

Suddenly, while I stood there criticising, it 
struck me that I was proving myself a simple, 
for it mattered little to me whether the location 
was the best or the poorest to be found along the 
bay ; I had decided that I would be one of those 
sent in response to the general’s request, and 


^8B AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

it stood to reason that before we had finished 
such a task as he might have for us, the winter 
would be so far advanced that hostilities must 
cease during a certain time at least. 

While I believed this serving in the whale-boat 
navy was exactly to my liking, I looked forward 
with no slight amount of interest to a certain 
time of service with the army, since it would 
give me, who had so lately counted myself a 
Tory, ample opportunity to see what others were 
doing by way of freeing the country from the 
rule of the king. Besides, I had a natural curi- 
osity to see General Washington, the gentleman 
from Virginia who had taken such an enormous 
load on his shoulders when the reward for carry- 
ing it successfully would be comparatively slight, 
and the punishment for a failure must necessarily 
be exceedingly grievous. 

All these things and many others which need 
not be set down here because they had nothing in 
common with the story I am trying to write, came 
into my mind as I stood looking about me idly, 
and then the call to breakfast aroused me to the 
fact that I was hungry. 

When the morning meal had been eaten, and 
it was not a lengthy task because boiled potatoes, 
fried hasty pudding and salt pork are quickly 


TREACHERY. 


289 


despatched, Captain Hyler called off the names 
of half a dozen who were given the duty of mak- 
ing the Princess ready for sea, under the direction 
of my father. 

Neither Zenas, Moses nor myself were called 
upon, most likely because we had just come in 
from a hard and dangerous venture, and being 
passed by in such a fashion did not please me 
overly well. I was not a child who must be given 
so many hours in which to play because of having 
done a certain amount of work, and it would 
have been more to my liking had we Dunkels been 
set about the most arduous tasks. 

However, it would have been silly to complain 
when the captain believed he was doing me a 
favor, and in company with my brothers and 
Eeuben I lounged around the encampment trying 
hard to kill time in a pleasant manner. 

By nightfall the Princess was ready for sea ; 
all the stores were on board, and she could be 
gotten under way whenever Captain Hyler gave 
the word. 

It only remained to wait until Elijah Cornwall 
and his comrade returned with their report. 

These two were yet absent when we awakened 
next morning, and another day was spent in idle- 
ness. 

19 


290 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


Before the second night came many of us, 
Zenas and I among the number, believed that the 
party should be sent to Philadelphia without 
further delay. 

After twenty should have left the encampment 
there 3^et remained lads enough to carry out any 
plan of harassing the Tories which Captain Hyler 
might devise, and if General Washington stood 
in need of services there ought to be no loitering 
simply because of what the future might present. 

It can well be believed, however, that we did 
not make known to the captain that which was 
in our minds. Thus far I had seen in him only an 
exceedingly kind, good-natured man ; but I had 
an idea that at the first show of insubordination 
he would prove himself of quite a different make. 

On this second evening, about two hours after 
sunset, Elijah returned alone, and looking scru- 
tinizingly into his face to learn if he brought good 
news, I decided that his scout had been a failure. 

The lad was not allowed to linger over the tell- 
ing of his story. He had no more than shown 
his face inside the hut than a dozen voices were 
asking if he had found that for which he sought, 
and, to my great surprise, he replied by nodding 
his head in the affirmative. 

'' Where are we to strike ? ” some one shouted. 


TREACHERY. 


291 


and Master Cornwall wisely replied that he would 
give the information when it should please the 
captain to hear him. 

‘‘ Where is the lad Smith ? ’’ another cried. 

He stopped back yonder about two miles to 
visit an old friend ; hut he’ll he here before day- 
light to-morrow.” 

None of the party appeared to think there was 
anything odd in Master Smith’s having found a 
friend ; but I remembered that Captain Hyler 
told Zenas and myself that none of his company 
had ever been on Long Island, therefore did he 
welcome us because we could act as guides. 

On second thought I called myself a fool for 
being suspicious ; the friend of Smith’s might 
lately have moved down this way, or the lad could 
well have been acquainted on the island and 
Captain Hyler be ignorant of the fact. 

‘‘ Go on with your story ! ” the captain cried 
cheerily. ^^I’m ready to hear it, and the others 
are eager to learn where can be found a chance to 
distinguish themselves.” 

Surely Elijah appeared ill at ease as he stepped 
forward toward where the captain sat, and then 
gave us the following account of his work : 

‘‘We went back into the country on a straight 
line from here, about six miles, where is a small 


292 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


settlement of farmers, all of whom are the rank- 
est kind of Tories. They have not been molested 
by either army, and it is possible to pick up such 
an amount of produce as will serve this company 
throughout the winter, to say nothing of the oxen 
and cows which they own. Whether any hard 
money is to be come at, I can’t say ; but all the 
people look prosperous, and should have some- 
thing laid by in the way of silver and gold.” 

Are you certain there are no Whigs in the 
place ? ” Captain Hyler asked. 

If there are, the people lied to us. We talked 
with all the men, and it seems that nearly every 
family has sent one or more sons to join the 
king’s army.” 

We’ll pay them a visit, leaving here early to- 
morrow morning, and if it so be you’re not mis- 
taken, those who are bound for Philadelphia can 
set out within six and thirty hours. ” 

The captain appeared well pleased with the 
information brought by Elijah, as did nearly all 
the others ; but I was sorely perplexed. I could 
have sworn there was no such settlement as he 
described, anywhere on the island — surely no vil- 
lage of farmers, all of whom had sent sons into 
the king’s army. 

While turning this over in my mind I looked yet 


TREACHERY. 


293 


more keenly at Master Cornwall, and decided that 
there was no question but the lad was feeling ill 
at ease. He had not told his story as I fancied 
he would if he really made such an important dis- 
covery ; but rather as one does who repeats some- 
thing which has been learned instead of seen. 

It was while these thoughts were in my mind 
that I observed Zenas gazing at me curiously, 
and in an instant I understood that he also was 
perplexed by the report. 

Are you acquainted with the location of this 
village, Master Dunkel ? ” the captain asked of my 
father. 

I never heard of it, to my knowledge ; but 
there must be many a village of which I am 
ignorant.” 

Then the captain began questioning Elijah as 
to the road ; the number of able-bodied men in 
the settlement, and such matters as it would be 
necessary one should know who meditated an at- 
tack upon the place, and nearly all the company 
listened eagerly to the scout^s replies. 

Those who did not appear particularly inter- 
ested were Zenas and myself. My brother had 
been moving restlessly to and fro until he stood 
near the door, and then, giving me a significant 
look, went out. 


294 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


I understood that he wanted me to follow him, 
and this I did as soon as it was possible to leave the 
building without attracting attention. Where 
so many eager lads were gathered in one portion 
of the room, he who stood outside the throng 
might go or stay without the knowledge of the 
others. 

After halting near the door an instant to make 
certain that Elijah above all others was not tak- 
ing heed of my movements, I joined Zenas on the 
outside, and we walked in silence to the shore, 
past the sentinels until we were come to a point 
where it would have been impossible for an eaves- 
dropper to have hidden himself. 

Then my brother, wheeling squarely around to 
face me, asked in a whisper : 

Where is this place of which Elijah talks so 
glibly?” 

don’t know.” 

‘‘Did you ever hear of a settlement on this 
island where not one Whig dares show him- 
self?” 

“Look here, Zenas,” I said impatiently. 
“There’s no use in beating about the bush. 
Neither you nor I believe what the scout has 
told.” 

“ True, and yet why should he lie ? This com- 


TREACHERY. 295 

pany will soon find out that it is untrue, and then 
what is to be done ? ” 

Zenas’ perplexity had the same basis as mine. 
It seemed necessary to find some motive for a 
falsehood, before you could charge him with hav- 
ing uttered one. 

‘‘Yes,” I said slowly, talking to myself rather 
than to him, “ the lad knows that Captain Hyler 
and the greater portion of his company will set 
out at once, depending upon the correctness of his 
information. Can it be that he wants them to 
leave the encampment ? ” 

Zenas gripped my arm until I was nigh to cry- 
ing out with pain, and looked me full in the face 
as he said : 

“You are almost accusing him of being a 
traitor ! ” 

“ That cannot be, for I know nothing about 
the lad more than you do. The captain has con- 
fidence in him ” 

“ Have you ? ” 

It was a question I dare not answer off-hand, 
and I compromised by saying : 

“You know him as well as I. He did not dare 
attack the Princess in New York harbor, when 
any one with half un eye could have seen that 
she would fall into our hands like an over-ripe 


296 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


apple. He sulked after we had done the work, 
until it would have attracted the captain’s atten- 
tion had he not finally put on a pleasant look. I 
have never yet been able to figure out how Simon 
Hunt and Micah Williams could have escaped 
from the hold of the Princess while he stood guard 
on deck, and since we arrived from Wallahout 
Bay, Keuben saw him in close converse with our 
prisoners.” 

This last was a bit of news for my brother, and 
he bade me tell him again what Keuben had said. 

Then we both fell silent while one might have 
counted twenty, after which Zenas whispered : 

‘^To my mind there is something wrong about 
that settlement of Tories within six miles of this 
place. I don’t charge Elijah Cornwall with being 
a traitor ; but I count on having my eye on him 
from this out. We’ll go back to the hut, for I 
want to have speech with father before all hands 
turn in.” 

When we reentered the building, my hands 
trembling as if I rather than another had betrayed 
signs of treachery, the captain had just come to 
an end of giving his orders concerning the next 
day’s work. 

We’ll leave here an hour before sunrise,” he 
was saying in conclusion, ‘‘which will bring us 


TREACHERY. 29? 

there in time for breakfast. It shouldn’t be a 
long job to take possession of the settlement, and 
if they’ve oxen in plenty, we’ll soon haul here 
what we conclude is worth bringing away.” 

All the details had evidently been decided upon, 
and there was nothing more for us to hear. 

Elijah, prof essing to be weary because of a long 
tramp to learn if there were any other people liv- 
ing in the vicinity of this settlement, had lain 
down in his bunk, and a dozen or more were fol- 
lowing his example, yet it was nearly an hour 
before we could get a private interview with 
father. 

Then Zenas was forced to ask that he go with 
us to look after the Princess, because it was the 
only pretext we could use to get him away from 
the others. 

Once outside where no one might hear us, we 
told of all that was in our minds regarding 
Elijah’s lo^^alty, and my father said gravely, dis- 
playing no surprise whatsoever : 

It is not for you to accuse the lad of being a 
traitor until you have absolutely proven it. We 
four Dunkels are newcomers in this navy ; all 
the others have served under Captain Hyler be- 
fore, and he should know them better than we 
do. To make such a grave charge, when you 


298 AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

liavG hardly had tiinG in which to prove your own 
loyalty, might be to arouse suspicions as to our 
honesty. Eemember, my sons, it is not many 
weeks since we were known as Tories, and despite 
all you have done, it is possible evil-minded men 
might accuse you of yet trying to work harm to 
the Cause.” 

‘'All you have said is true, father,” Zenas re- 
plied ; “ but shall we hold our tongues when this 
Cornwall may be concerned in a plot against the 
captain ? ” 

There is nothing else to be done, since we, 
who have so lately shown that we can break our 
oaths, must not charge another with wrong-doing 
when it cannot be proven.” 

“ By the time Elijah has proven himself a trai- 
tor, it may be too late for us to do any good.” 

“The captain counts on leaving behind those 
who are to go to Philadelphia, and we four Dun- 
kels are to be of the party. It must be a strong 
force who can drive us out of this place.” 

But suppose that Elijah’s plan be to lead the 
captain and his followers into an ambush where 
they might be readily captured by the British ? 

I was not reckoning that he simply had it in mind 
to capture the camp. ” 

“If the Tories hereabout would drive us of the 


TREACHERY. 


299 


whale-boat navy away, their best plan would he 
to destroy the buildings, stores and boats,” father 
said thoughtfully, and he added an instant later, 
‘‘It is possible that we might say something 
which would put the captain on his guard. Sup- 
pose Amos explains to Hyler that the lad has been 
seen talking confidentially with Simon Hunt ? ” 

“That would be better than nothing,” Zenas 
said, and I knew that he, like me, believed the 
proper course was to lay before the captain all we 
had observed and suspected, rather than take the 
chances of mischief being done. 

“Very well,” father said at length. “Amos 
shall speak to the captain in regard to what 
Eeuben saw ; but it is not to be done until morn- 
ing-just before the party sets out.” 

With this we lads were forced to be satisfied, 
for it was never in our minds to disobey any com- 
mand given by father. 

We went indoors one by one, lest we should 
attract too much attention if we entered together, 
and when I lay down in my bunk it was to toss 
from side to side during the whole night long, 
never for a single instant closing my eyes in sleep. 
I felt convinced Elijah Cornwall was working 
some Tory plot against us, although I could not 
have said exactly what, and the fear that he 


SOO AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

might be successful was sufficient to drive all 
thought of rest from my mind. 

As soon as the cooks turned out next morning 
I followed their example, and was pacing to and 
fro on the shore when Captain Hyler came down 
to wash his face and hands. 

Who is it ? he asked, not able to recognize 
me because it was yet dark. 

I ; Amos Dunkel, sir.” 

'‘What brings you out so early, lad ? It was 
decided that you who were to sail in the Princess 
would be left behind this day to keep camp.” 

" So I understood, sir ; but there is something 
in my mind of such import to me that I could 
not sleep, and I came here to have private speech 
with you.” 

"Out with it, my lad. Speak freely, but 
quickly, unless you are willing others should hear, 
for I have turned out all the company.” 

" It is only to say, sir,” I began stammeringly, 
not well knowing how to put into words the idea 
that Elijah might be a traitor, " we Dunkels who 
have lived all our lives on the island, have never 
heard of such a settlement as Cornwall described 
last night.” 

Having said this much, I suddenly remembered 
that father had warned me against telling more 


TREACHERY. 


301 


than what Reuben had seen, and before the cap- 
tain could make reply, I blurted out that portion 
of the story. 

‘‘Sol” he said reflectively, and then laughed 
in a very disagreeable manner. “ One would 
think you were not overly, well inclined toward 
Elijah Cornwall?” 

Now I spoke without taking due heed to my 
words, as I am prone to do, and said hurriedly : 

“ Father warned me against saying that which 
might sound like a charge against any one, and 
I have performed my task badly.” 

“ Then you lads have talked with your father, 
eh ? What is his idea ? ” the captain asked 
eagerly. 

I can’t explain why it was ; but his tone invited 
my confidence, and without further parley I gave 
him in very few words the subject of the pri- 
vate conversation held between Zenas, father and 
myself the evening previous. 

It was to me as if he remained silent a full 
half hour after I ceased speaking, although 
probably it was not more than sixty seconds. I 
was so fearful he might blame us for intimating 
anything against Elijah’s loyalty that my nerv- 
ousness caused the time to seem very long. 

When he did speak, however, it was to the 


302 AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

point, and my heart grew lighter than it had 
been since my suspicions were aroused. 

If you Dunkels are on the alert 'and remain 
in camp, I have no fear matters will go wrong 
here. In case any mischief is afoot for those who 
follow Cornwall, I’ll answer for its not being 
serious. We’ll go to breakfast now.” 

No one could have said there was anything un- 
pleasant on the captain’s mind during the morn- 
ing meal. He spoke as was his wont to each in 
turn, including Elijah, and when breakfast had 
come to an end, he summoned his company. 

Half an hour later the last member of the 
party had left the encampment, and father said 
in a low tone to me : 

Now, lad, move quickly. W e’ll bring a couple 
of swivels ashore, and plant them in front of 
the prison. See to it, while your brothers and I 
make ready the ammunition.” 


THE ATTACK. 


303 


CHAPTER XVI. 

THE ATTACK. 

Although it had never been reckoned upon as 
a probability that the encampment would be at- 
tacked, some little preparations for defense had 
been made. 

It seemed almost certain that the Britishers 
would never come so far along shore, even if it 
was known Captain Hyler had established his 
headquarters at the head of the bay, because 
whale-boatmen were not big enough game for 
his majesty’s troops to bother their heads about, 
and the Tories could hardly muster in sufficient 
force to openly attack our company. Therefore, 
as I have said, but little had been done by way of 
defense. 

At the door of the barracks, inside, and also in 
the prison, a single swivel had been placed ; hut 
there was among us so slight an idea we would 
ever be called upon to defend ourselves, that I 
question if we had on shore a single charge of 
grape for these guns. 


304 AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

Immediately Captain Hyler and his party had 
been swallowed up by the gloom, my father set 
about making preparations for defense, knowing 
full well that if an attack was to be made upon 
the encampment we might expect it nearabout 
daybreak. 

Calling Eeuben and half a dozen other lads to 
bear a hand, I set about getting the guns from 
the Princess, and while engaged in this work I 
had ample time in which to consider all the 
details of the situation. 

Quite naturally I thought first of Elijah Corn- 
wall, that lad who, in my heart, I charged with 
being a traitor. 

Every pair of eyes had been upon him since he 
turned out of his hunk before daybreak, and yet 
I must confess that nothing had been seen to 
cause further suspicion. 

But for the fact of his declaring there was a 
settlement where I knew full well none existed, 
I would have begun to fancy we lads had been 
mistaken when we believed there might have 
been anything wrong in his interview with Simon 
Hunt. 

This much I said to Eeuben as we were pulling 
off to the Princess, for the guns, and he replied 
by asking : 


THE ATTACK. 305 

Have you looked into the prison this morn- 
ing?” 

No. Why do you ask such a question ? ” 
Because it has just come into my mind that 
something might be learned from the faces of 
our captives. If Elijah is setting any mischief 
afoot, you may be certain Simon Hunt shares the 
secret, and in such case he could not conceal 
it.” 

There was sound common sense in such a sug- 
gestion, and when we came ashore with the 
swivels, I, leaving to my companion the lion’s 
share of the labor, hurried on in advance to the 
log hut which served as jail. 

Already suspicious, I took note of that which, 
under other circumstances would have failed of 
attracting my attention. It appeared to me that 
not only Simon, but all his fellow-prisoners 
started up excitedly when I suddenly threw open 
the outer door which gave entrance to a sort of 
hallway, divided from the main room by stout 
wooden bars. 

Then, on seeing who was the visitor, they re- 
seated themselves as if disappointed. 

I could not be mistaken, however, in reading 
the expression on Simon’s face. The cur was 

struggling to keep his temper within bounds, and 
20 


306 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


even the worthy Captain Downes glared at me 
threateningly. 

I had seen enough, and was about to turn away 
when Simon cried with what was more like a 
snarl of a cat, than the tone of a human voice : 

The Flushing turn-coat appears to have im- 
portant business on hand this morning! Most 
likely he’s contriving how he can do his old neigh- 
bors a fresh injury.” 

My temper never was slow in the arousing, 
and I could not resist the temptation of saying : 

I’m counting on making, certain that my old 
neighbors don’t play me a dirty trick by means of 
a traitor ! ” 

This shot struck home, and if ever I saw con- 
sternation on human faces, it was written on- 
theirs. 

From that moment no one could have persuaded 
me that Elijah Cornwall was an honest Whig. 

I felt certain that whatsoever plot he had con- 
cocted was against the encampment, rather than 
those who had set out in search of the supposed 
settlement of Tories, and then I guessed at the 
whole scheme. The friends of Captain Downes, 
having learned that the British would not treat 
for his exchange, had induced Elijah Cornwall to 
lead our men on a wild goose chase in order that 


THE ATTACK. 307 

they might have an opportunity to release the 
prisoners. 

It was all as clear as day to me, and I would 
not have thanked any one for confirming my 
surmises. 

Without loss of time I ran to my father, who 
was superintending the loading of muskets and 
distribution of ammunition, and told him that 
which was in my mind. 

He smiled grimly when I was come to an end 
of the tale, and said in a tone which caused me 
to feel as if I was of very little importance : 

am sorry, Amos, that it has taken you all 
these hours to work out the business. It seemed 
plain enough from the start, allowing you to be 
right in your suspicions of Cornwall.” 

^^But how could you have said to a certainty 
that it was Captain Downes’ friends who were 
engaged in the plot ? ” I asked with some slight 
show of ill temper. 

Because he is the only one of our prisoners 
who is of sufficient importance in the eyes of 
the Tories to warrant such a ‘proceeding. The 
youngest child could guess that the loyal subjects 
of the king who live on this island would not 
hanker after a pitched battle with Captain Hyler’s 
force. See to it that your work is done quickly. 


308 AMOS DUNKEL, OAKSMAN. 

for I’m of the belief that our visitors will be here 
soon.” 

I had a very small opinion of myself after this 
interview with my father, and set about getting 
the swivels in place without another word to any 
one, greatly to the surprise of Eeuben, who had 
counted on learning the result of my visit to the 
jail. 

When we had completed our arrangements for 
the defense of the buildings, and all this was 
done before the sun had risen, my father called 
our company to him, and said : 

Lads, your captain has left me in command, 
and what I have set about doing most likely 
causes you some surprise. There is reason for 
believing that this camp will be attacked before 
an hour has passed, therefore have I insisted on 
certain preparations. You cannot blame me if I 
give to my sons the most dangerous posts. Zenas, 
with half a dozen stout lads, will charge himself 
with defending the jail, where, as I reckon, the 
hottest work may be found. Moses and two 
others are to be stationed in the cook’s quarters. 
Amos, with three comrades, will go on board the 
Princess, and there fire at the enemy, if it so be 
any show themselves, whenever the swivels can 
be trained shoreward without danger of doing 


THE ATTACK. 


309 


injury to us. It is also possible that the Tories 
may approach in boats, in which case his will be 
a most important point, where, perhaps, all the 
work will be done. I count on having an eye 
out over the entire camp. There is no need for 
me to urge that you be on the alert ; you under- 
stand as well as I what would be the result to us 
if the enemy should be successful in this attack 
which I count to a certainty will be made. Now 
get to your posts, my boys, and keep your weather 
eyes lifting until I have been proven a fool, or 
the Tories are driven away.” 

As a matter of course I chose Eeuben as one of 
the three to accompany me, and the other two 
were friends of his on whom he could rely im- 
plicitly. 

It soothed me somewhat that father had given 
into my keeping an important post, and I was 
near to forgetting that I had shown myself as 
little better than a child in his eyes. 

We four went on board the Princess without 
delay, and I was not such a booby as to plume 
myself upon being in command ; all of us worked 
together, without thought of giving or obeying 
orders, until we had two swivels at the bow, one 
on either side, and two aft. 

The guns were loaded with heavy charges of 


310 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


grape, and we had only to take careful aim in 
order to work havoc, providing, of course, that 
the enemy gave us the opportunity. 

Eeuben kept watch from the bow, and I astern, 
our companions moving about constantly, all 
keenly on the alert. 

It was well my father had begun his prepara- 
tions for defense immediately after Captain 
Hyler’s party left the camp, otherwise we might 
have been caught napping, for in less than ten 
minutes after we finished loading the last gun, I 
heard the sound of oars in the distance, betoken- 
ing, as I then believed, that we on the Princess 
would be called upon to bear the brunt of the 
attack. 

In a whisper I told my companions of the dis- 
covery, and all save Eeuben came aft. 

Nearer and nearer sounded the swish of the 
oars, and I believed the strangers were working 
along the shore, otherwise we should have had 
them in sight some time before. 

Just when I believed the approaching boats 
could no longer be hidden behind the screen of 
trees, a low cry from Eeuben told that he had 
sighted an enemy, and we knew that the attack 
was to be made from the front and rear at the 
same moment. 


THE ATTACK. 


311 


Surely Captain Downes’ friends were not to be 
despised as antagonists if they were in sufficient 
force to make up two parties. 

There was nothing in sight from my end of the 
sloop when we heard my father cry : 

Who comes there ?” 

So far as we could make out, there was no reply, 
and again came my father’s voice : 

Halt, or we shall open fire ! ” 

At that instant a whale-boat came from behind 
the trees, having as crew ten well-armed men, 
and in her bow a small gun like unto the pieces 
on board the Princess. 

‘‘Put back or I’ll fire ! ” I cried, sighting one 
of the swivels as carefully as was possible in my 
excitement. 

“ Give way heartily ! ” a man in the stern-sheets 
of the oncoming craft cried, and, taking this com- 
mand as good proof of their hostile intentions, I 
applied the match which one of the lads held 
ready. 

There was a deafening report ; the sloop reeled 
under the recoil of the swivel, and I believed we 
had blown the entire boat-load into eternity. 

A few seconds later, however, when the smoke 
cleared away, I saw to my chagrin that I had shot 
wide of the mark. 


312 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


The boat was coming on with the spray dash- 
ing up like a bunch of silver threads from her 
bow, and dangerously near. 

Set about loading the swivel, lads ! ” I cried, 
bringing the other piece to bear, and in ten seconds 
more it was discharged. 

This time my aim was more true ; but yet not 
what it should have been. 

The bow of the boat was shattered, dismount- 
ing the gun, and the crew were in the water. 

By this time Keuben understood that he was 
needed aft, and he came with a shout as the enemy 
advanced. 

They had taken the precaution to advance in 
shallow water, where it would be possible to wade 
ashore in case the boat was swamped, and the 
craft had no more than sunk when they were 
coming at full speed, with muskets held high in 
the air to prevent them from getting wet. 

It was no longer good policy to depend upon the 
swivels, for the Tories had separated like unto the 
sticks of a fan, and Eeuben cried as he drew our 
muskets from the companionway : 

‘‘We must trust to these now, lads ! Be care- 
ful of your aim, for we can’t afford to lose a single 
bullet ! ” 

On the shore I could hear the rattle of fire- 


THE ATTACK. 


313 


arms, which told that we must depend upon our- 
selves, because the remainder of our company 
probably had as much work on hand as could he 
attended to. I did not dare turn my head in that 
direction, however, for the occupants of the boat 
were coming dangerously near. 

It was Eeuben who fired first, and there was a 
certain grim satisfaction in my heart when I saw 
one of the Tories drop his gun to clasp his hands 
over a wound just above the knee. 

Then the rest of us fired, and I knew that the 
shots were returned, because I could hear the 
bullets singing everywhere around my head ; but 
by this time the odor of burning powder had 
mounted to my brain until I was like to one who 
has suddenly lost his senses. 

Concerning this part of the battle I can say 
but little of my own knowledge. I could dimly 
see the enemy, who had retreated to a clump of 
bushes near by, and fired again and again until 
the barrel of my musket was so hot that I could 
hardly hold it in my hands ; I knew from the cry 
of pain and the bright red drops on the white 
planks, that one of our party had been wounded 
or killed ; but at the moment it seemed to be no 
real concern of mine. 

Now and then I could hear, as if from afar 


314 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


off, the crack of firearms and shouts of anger or 
pain ; but it was all like some horrible, confused 
dream until Reuben shouted again and again : 

WeVe beaten them off! we’ve beaten them 
off, and left our marks on more than one ! ” 

Then it was I regained my scattered senses, 
and understood that the enemy had disappeared. 

There was nothing to show we had fought a 
real battle, striving to kill and in danger of be- 
ing killed, save the shattered whale-boat whose 
gunwales were sticking a few inches above the 
surface, and the blood on our deck. 

Who was hurt ? ” I cried, looking around 
like one in a dream. 

‘^Tom Johnson got a bullet in the arm, and is 
below nursing it ; I reckon he isn’t in any very 
bad way,” Reuben replied, whereupon I, like a 
simple, for it showed that I had had but little 
knowledge of my own movements, asked : 

When did the Tories run ? ” 

After you pinked the fellow whom I allowed 
was the leader. He got it rough in the shoulder, 
and that settled the others,” Reuben said with 
a laugh, and then it came over me like a flash 
causing much mental pain, that I had been shoot- 
ing, perhaps, at my own townsmen, with intent 
to kill. 


THE ATTACK. 


315 


Let’s get forward!” one of my comrades 
cried. “ Those ashore are not winding the busi- 
ness up as quickly as we did, and it’s time we lent 
a hand 1 ” 

We acted upon this suggestion without loss of 
time, and when I stood near the swivel on the 
starboard side, it was possible to see three or four 
strangers half concealed by the foliage, evidently 
watching some one near about the main building. 

Quite naturally it was impossible for me to get 
a glimpse of our own people. From the location 
of the buildings, I knew that those guarding the 
prison must necessarily be hidden from view, 
while the others would be inside one hut or the 
other. 

Just at that instant, however, it was not nec- 
essary I should see my friends ; it was enough 
that they were holding their own, and that we 
on the Princess had a target. 

Without delay I sighted the swivel on the star- 
board side, while Eeuben devoted his attention to 
the piece outside, and when both of us were sat- 
isfied with the aim, the guns were discharged. 

It was impossible to ascertain what had been 
the effect of our shots ; but that they had been 
fired in proper time we understood by the cheers 
which came from the vicinity of the prison. 


316 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


Reload them lively ! ” I cried excitedly. 

There appears to be a chance for us to do some 
good work if we make no delay ! ’’ 

The words had hardly been spoken, when, while 
I was leaning over to seize the sponger, a bullet 
whistled over my head. Had I been standing 
erect it would have plowed its way directly 
through my body. 

But it was not the narrow escape from death 
which caused me the most intense alarm. The 
fact that the missile had come from seaward 
told that we had not wholly beaten our enemies 
in that direction, or else a fresh party had come 
up, and I ran aft at full speed, followed by all 
my companions. 

As we neared the tiller we were greeted by a 
volley from the bushes to the left, where the crew 
of the boat had last been seen, and I breathed 
more freely, even though there was consider- 
able danger from this unseen foe, because I be- 
lieved no new assailant had appeared on the 
scene. 

‘^We can beat them back again with a few 
loads of grape ! ” I cried, swinging one of the 
guns around in order to reload it; and then it 
was that Reuben cried, as he pointed seaward : 

We are like to need more than a few charges. 


THE ATTACK. 3I7 

All the Tories on Long Island must have made 
an agreement to be here this day ! 

I looked in the direction pointed out, and to my 
dismay saw two boats being pulled toward the 
shore at a high rate of speed by four oars in each 
craft. Eeinforcements were arriving for the 
enemy, and we had made our most vigorous de- 
fense already ; the remainder of our work must 
necessarily be feeble. 

The continued discharge of fire-arms in the 
rear told that our party on shore had all the 
work which could well be attended to, and I un- 
derstood that we, who had already been weakened 
by having one man disabled, could not hope to 
beat back these fresh enemies while those who 
were concealed in the bushes were where they 
could pick us off at their leisure. 

We cannot hold out against both parties, 
and it will be wiser to beat a retreat while 
we can make certain of gaining the huts,” 
one of our company said, and Keuben replied 
hotly : 

‘‘We must hold this sloop under all circum- 
stances, for once the enemy gets possession of 
her, the swivels will be turned against the build- 
ings. One of us ought to go on shore and warn 
Master Dunkel that we have nearly come to the 


318 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


end of our rope. He must send us assistance, or 
decide to let the Tories win the day ! ’’ 

It was on the tip of my tongue to insist that 
he should go without delay because he could 
best explain the situation, when an exclama- 
tion of mingled surprise and joy hurst from his 
lips. 

Glancing seaward, in the direction where he 
was looking, I saw that the occupants of the on- 
coming boats were firing at those of our enemies 
who were concealed in the thicket, and by the 
time I succeeded in realizing the pleasing fact 
that these last arrivals were friends, I recognized 
them as the crews which had been sent to Walla- 
hout Bay at the same time we set off to make 
a try at releasing American prisoners. 

It was evident that the Britishers had not suc- 
ceeded in capturing them, and what was more 
to the point so far as we were concerned, they 
had arrived just in the nick of time. 

There was no longer any reason why we need 
give our attention to the Tories in the bushes 
while we were needed forward, and, waving our 
hands in welcome to our friends, we turned to 
aid those of our company who appeared to be 
sorely pressed. 

Smoke those fellows out ! ” Reuben cried, as 


THE ATTACK. 


319 


he pointed in the direction where the last bullets 
had come from, and the reply came in the form 
of a ringing cheer. 

Now that it’s safe to leave the sloop’s stern 
undefended, we’ll bring those two swivels for- 
ward. With one to take aim and discharge the 
pieces while the others reload, we should be able 
to pour a heavy fire into the ranks of Captain 
Downes’ friends,” I shouted, and in a twinkling 
my companions were carrying into effect that 
which I had meant as a suggestion rather than 
an order. 

Within less than five minutes after we learned 
that our comrades had escaped from Wallabout 
Bay, and were in a position to aid us, we on 
board the Princess were throwing a regular 
shower of grape into the foliage on either side 
the group of buildings. 

Perhaps each of the four pieces had been dis- 
charged three times when we heard the rattle of 
musketry far in the distance, and then it was 
that my father showed himself from around the 
corner of the hut, as he shouted : 

‘‘Cease firing ! The Tories are retreating, and 
Captain Hyler’s force is coming up ! ” 

An instant later, and while we stood gazing 
shoreward with the most intense relief because 


820 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


the battle was over and the victory ours, the lads 
who had arrived so opportunely came over the 
rail. 

‘^Have you driven those fellows out ?”Eeuhen 
asked, and the foremost replied : 

^‘They’ve taken to their heels through the 
underbrush, and I reckon you won’t see hide nor 
hair of ’em again. Say, did you get away with 
the prisoners the other night ? ” 

We brought five off, and the sixth was most 
likely killed just as he was leaving the ship. 
Where were you when the firing began ? ” 

Under the bushes ashore, keeping out of the 
rain.” 

Did you stay there ? ” 

‘^We weren’t quite such fools as that. 
Whether you were captured or went free, we had 
good reason to believe that the shores of the bay 
would be overhauled pretty thoroughly next 
morning, and turned out mighty quick. Were 
any of you fellows hurt ? ” 

We didn’t get so much as a scratch. Tell us 
how you got away.” 

‘^It was a tight squeeze ; but we managed it 
by going directly into New York city. The night 
was pitchy dark, as most likely you know, and 
there wasn’t many a chance we’d be sighted by a 


THE ATTACK. 


321 


guard-boat, unless by pulling plump into it. We 
could see you fellows by the glare of the cannon, 
as of course the Britishers could, and when the 
hubbub was at its height, we started for the city. 
Say, there we read notices of a missing boy, in 
which it was stated that lie was last seen in com- 
pany with a lad from Flushing by name of Simon 
Hunt. Do you know anything about him ? ’’ 

Keuben burst into a regular spasm of laughing, 
while I replied gaily : 

Aye, we’ve got him here,” and then I told in 
fewest words possible the story of our adventures 
at the inn and the dock, concluding by asking, 
‘‘ How long were you in the city ? ” 

Three days.” 

Where did you sleep ? ” 

‘‘In one end of the rope- walk on the Hudson 
Eiver. We rowed entirely around the city before 
venturing to land, on that night of leaving Wall- 
about Bay.” 

“Did you get into any trouble ?” 

“ Nothing to speak of. Once or twice we were 
hauled up by the watch, and put through a course 
of questioning, but we managed to come out all 
right finally, though I don’t care to have many 
such narrow squeaks. What was the cause of 

the row here ? ” 

21 


322 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


It required several minutes in which to give 
our newly arrived friends a clear idea of what 
had occurred, and before I cardie to an end of the 
story we saw Captain Hyler and his party ap- 
proaching the huts. 

Then we got our wounded comrade out of the 
sloop’s cabin, and learned to our dismay that his 
injuries were quite serious. He had succeeded 
only in partially staunching the flow of blood, 
and, determined that we should not be hindered 
in the fight by his appeal for help, had come near 
bleeding to death. 

He was as pale as a ghost when we got to him, 
and my heart smote me for having been such 
a brute as to leave him unattended while we 
gossiped with those lately come from New 
York. 

It can be imagined that we carried him on 
shore with the least possible delay, and once 
thbre I saw how sadly we were in need of a sur- 
geon. 

Six lads were wounded, some quite badly, and 
my father and Captain Hyler were dressing the 
wounds to the best of their ability. 

'^You were fortunate with your part of the 
scrimmage, Amos,” my father said grimly when 
I came up with the disabled lad. At one time 


THE ATTACK 323 

I feared you would be forced to knock under, and 
yet it was impossible to send reinforcements.” 

‘‘We got them from Wallabout Bay,” I replied 
with a chuckle, and his look of mystification was 
indeed comical. 


324 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


CHAPTER XVII. 

BAD NEWS. 

The story which those who went out with 
Captain Hyler had to tell, was little different 
from what I expected to hear. 

Elijah Cornwall had led them through the 
woods for half an hour or more, and when the 
reports of our swivels could he heard, he suddenly 
disappeared. 

The captain, who had suspected that he would 
try to give them the slip, ordered half a dozen 
lads to follow ; but, strange to say, the renegade 
succeeded in throwing them off the scent. 

Most likely he was acquainted with that bit of 
the woods, having examined it the day previous, 
and knew full well that the tangle of bushes 
would give one who knew the landmarks ample 
opportunity for escape. 

At all events he disappeared completely, and 
there was no longer a question in the minds of 
our company but that he had turned Tory for 
the sake of the reward which had probably been 
offered by Captain Downes’ friends. 


BAD NEWS. 


325 


He richly deserved to be hanged, and I had no 
doubt but that he would have been had our lads 
got their liands upon him. 

Now he would, if he was wise, keep hidden from 
all who ever knew him, and perhaps such a 
necessity would in time come to be a worse pun- 
ishment than death. 

Captain Hyler’s party had retraced their steps 
at once, and arrived when . they were most needed, 
because, as I came to know later, matters on 
shore were looking very dark for our people while 
they had so many wounded on their hands. 

It was fortunate for the company that we Dun- 
kels were suspicious people, and Captain Hyler 
gave proof that he realized this fully, when he 
said to me in the presence of every one : 

I have again to thank you and your family, 
Amos. I had come near to falling into the trap, 
because of never dreaming so many Tories might 
be mustered in the vicinity. I hope most sin- 
cerely some day it may be possible for me to 
show you Dunkels that I fully appreciate your 
services.” 

The captain was not a man to indulge over- 
much in sentiment, and having said this to me 

* 

he turned his attention to the work of the future, 
since the wounded no longer needed attention, by 


326 AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

proposing to my father that the Princess be 
gotten under way at once. 

‘‘You shall ship others in the stead of those 
who are disabled,” he said, and put to sea 
within the hour. There is no need for me to map 
out the course. Use your own judgment, and 
if theie is a man in this colony who can make his 
way to General Washington, you are the one.” 

It was rather sudden to us who had so lately 
been struggling desperately for life ; but at such 
times one soon accustoms himself to startling 
changes, and my father at once began selecting 
such as would sail with him in the stead of those 
poor fellows who must spend many a long, 
weary day nursing their wounds. 

At my whispered suggestion he chose six of 
those who had so lately come from 'New York, 
and in less than two hours the Princess was 
under full sail, heading out of Smithtown Bay 
on a cruise around Long Island to the capes of the 
Delaware and beyond. 

Almost before we were under way the lads 
from Wallabout Bay insisted on learning all we 
could tell regarding our work of aiding the pris- 
oners to escape, and Peuben and I went over 
again all the details, until it came into my mind 
that perhaps we lads had been braver than we 


BAD NEWS. 


327 


realized, for indeed it was a noble deed to rescue 
five poor wretches from the custody of such 
brutes as held them. 

The voyage before us was a long one under 
the best of circumstances, and, owing to baffling 
winds, we took more time for it than usual. 

We were five days making Montauk Point, 
and as many more elapsed before we were behind 
Cape May on our way up the river. 

It was simply a case of sailing a small craft, 
with no danger save such as may be expected by 
those who trust themselves to the sea. We never 
even saw a redcoat, or anything that resembled 
the British flag, during all that time, and when 
we came to the city of Philadelphia it was with 
the belief that General Washington was rapidly 
getting the worst of the enemy. 

Before either of us had time to go on shore in 
order to procure such provisions as were needed, 
we learned of all that had happened to dishearten 
the friends of the Cause, and it was in my mind 
we had best flee the country in order to escape 
the halter which the king’s officers and the Tories 
were preparing for us. 

It was on the 19th day of December in the 
year 1777 (at that time I no longer had the heart 
to call it the year of Independence). General 


328 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


Washington had left Newark to fall back on 
New Brunswick before Lord Cornwallis ; then 
he had continued his retreat to Princeton, hotly 
pursued by the Britishers, his men, their time of 
service having expired, had left him by scores 
until he had in his entire army no more than 
three thousand. On the 8th of December he had 
crossed the Delaware in his flight, for by this 
time his movements could hardly be dignified 
with the name of “ retreat.” 

On the 13th General Charles Lee had been taken 
prisoner by, the enemy ; but my father, who be- 
lieved that officer to be a drag upon us rather 
than a help, said it was the first bit of good for- 
tune the gentleman from Virginia had had since 
he was forced to evacuate New York, and so it 
afterward proved. 

The people of Philadelphia were leaving the 
city as fast as they were able to procure means 
of transportation, believing the redcoats would 
soon arrive there, and General Putnam, who was 
in command at that city, could say nothing to 
allay their fears. 

General Howe had taken possession of Newport, 
intending it as a station for British ships enter- 
ing the Sound. Lord Cornwallis had packed his 
trunks ready to go home to England, for he be- 


BAD NEWS. 


lieved the rebellion ’’ had been crushed, and it 
was said they were already on board ship that he 
might sail immediately after the Christmas fes- 
tivities in New York had come to an end. 

We were told that we would find the com- 
mander-in-chief on the shores of the Delaware 
somewhere in the vicinity of Trenton, and also 
advised that if we had any care for our skins it 
was well to turn back while there was time for 
escape. 

Surely matters seemed dark indeed, and I be- 
lieve of a verity that if my father had .asked 
whether we thought it best to beat a retreat, I 
should have urged that we put the Princess about 
at once. 

Fortunately for all concerned, however, such 
an idea never entered his mind. He had left 
Smithtown Bay with the purpose of presenting 
himself and his following to General Washing- 
ton, and that he would do if it was within the 
power of man. 

Zenas believed we should get word to General 
Putnam that we were arrived, and for what pur- 
pose ; but Moses insisted it would be unwise to 
meddle with army officers more than was abso- 
lutely necessary, lest we find ourselves ordered 
here and there according to the whim of a general 


330 AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

who was more interested in himself than in 
what the commander-in-chief might desire. 

As for Reuben and I, we had no very decided 
idea one way or the other, therefore did not in- 
terfere in the discussion that was held in the 
cuddy of the Princess immediately after we 
heard the bad news which the loungers of Phila- 
delphia had to impart. 

There was one thing certain, which was that we 
had come to an end of our voyage in the sloop. 

The river was not frozen over ; but there was 
so much floating ice that navigation was difficult, 
and, in fact, we had been near being cut down 
by the huge cakes more than once since we 
passed Penn’s Cove. 

Wherever the small remnant of an army was, 
there we must go on foot, and in view of the fact 
that none of us were acquainted in this section 
of the country it surely seemed as if it would be 
necessary to apply to some officer or citizen for 
instructions as to how we should proceed. 

Then, as if to put an end to a fruitless discus- 
sion, my father went on shore to purchase sup- 
plies, and when he returned we gained additional 
information, while at the same time it was made 
plain that we would follow our leader instead of 
mapping out a course for him to follow. 


BAD NEWS. 


331 


‘^General Washington is encamped on the 
Pennsylvania side of the Delaware near the falls 
of Trenton, and has been joined by Generals 
Sullivan and Gates, which gives him a force of 
near seven thousand men, instead of only three 
as we have been told,’’ my father said as he gave 
the stores to the lad who was acting as cook. 
‘‘ The British are in large force, and I’m of the 
opinion that we’re to be set about handling trans- 
ports in which the army will he taken to some 
less dangerous point. We can make our way up 
the river on foot, providing we have with us a 
small boat to be used when we are forced to cross 
creeks or small streams, and it is my purpose to 
set out at daybreak to-morrow. One of you lads 
will be left behind to keep ship, and you may 
draw lots to decide who this shall be.” 

“ Are you not going to report to General Put- 
nam ? ” Zenas asked. 

We were not so instructed by Captain Hyler, 
and I don’t propose to take any chances of being 
delayed.” 

Might it not be possible to find some one here 
in the city who would act as guide ? ” Moses 
asked, and father replied grimly : 

By following the river we can’t go astray, 
and it is not needed that we have a native to tell 


332 


AMOS DUNKEL, OAESMAN. 


US which way the current is running. The fact 
of the matter is, lads, that I am the head of this 
party, so you may as well draw lots to learn who 
is to be shipkeeper, and put an end to your hag- 
gling.” 

It would be no slight task to tramp all the 
way to Trenton, forced to take a small boat here 
and there when we needed ferriage, and suffer- 
ing from the cold as we must, yet there was a 
great, fear in my heart lest I should be the one 
selected by lot to remain behind. Anything 
seemed preferable to staying safely on board the 
Princess when the others were winning names 
for themselves. 

It was Eeuben who took charge of the lot draw- 
ing. He took from our store of provisions a lot 
of white beans corresponding to the number of 
our party, and one of these he replaced by a black 
bean, afterward throwing them all into his cap. 

‘‘Each in turn shall draw a bean,” he said, 
giving the cap a vigorous shake, “and he who 
gets the black fellow will stay snugly on board 
the Princess while the rest of us tramp through 
Pennsylvania snow, or wade along the Dela- 
ware.” 

“ If you think it might be a pleasant job to stay 
behind, why not volunteer for the service ? ” one 


BAD NEWS. 333 

of the company asked, whereupon Eeuben replied 
with a laugh : 

‘‘While I may think it a soft task, I’m count- 
ing on having a look at Trenton, where the 
Britishers are loafing until they can get at our 
general ; unless,” he added with a grimace, “it 
so chances that I pull out the black fellow.” 

I was too impatient to wait very long before 
learning my fate, therefore pressed forward and 
took the first chance. 

To my great joy I held a white bean. Keuhen 
came next, and with the same good fortune. 

Father, Zenas and Moses were equally lucky, 
and not until nearly all the beans had been 
taken from the cap did the black one show it- 
self. 

It was a lad from New Brunswick who held it, 
and a very wry face he pulled, on thus being 
selected as the idler. 

During the day father bought a stout skiff for 
nine hard dollars, with the understanding that 
seven of them should be refunded if he returned 
the boat in good condition within the coming 
month. 

Into this craft we packed a sufficient amount 
of stores to provide us with food during a full 
week, and half an hour after sunset we were 


334 AMOS DUNKEL, OAESMAN. 

stowed away in order to get a long night’s sleep 
to pat us in condition for the next day’s work. 

It was agreed that the shipkeeper should re- 
main on watch, and at midnight cook a hearty 
breakfast. He would awaken us as soon after 
three o’clock as the meal was ready, and then we 
might count on being past the city before the 
day broke. 

As we planned so we did. We were well on 
our way by daylight, having passed the town 
without being interfered with by the watchmen 
who should have been on the lookout, and no one 
in Pennsylvania, save the lad we had left aboard 
the Princess, was any the wiser as to our desti- 
nation. 

Of this long tramp, which was beset by many 
difficulties and much hardship, I do not propose 
to write at any length. 

The river was filled with fioating ice which often- 
times rendered the labor of working the skiff 
much greater than was that of clambering over 
ice cakes on the shore, or through drifts of snow ; 
but it was necessary we keep her with us unless 
we were minded to take to the highway, which 
last was not to our liking, owing to the fact that 
at any time we might he halted by the soldiers. 

The journey came to an end none too soon to 


BAD NEWS. 


835 


please me, for it seemed, when we were finally 
brought to a standstill by the outposts of General 
Washington’s army, as if I could not walk an- 
other mile, and glad indeed was I of the oppor- 
tunity afforded us for rest, while word wa^ being 
sent to the officer of the day that a party of rough- 
looking lads claimed to have been summoned by 
the commander-in-chief. 

When the officer arrived, after a delay of nearly 
an hour, he would have it that we must explain 
to him who we were, where we had come from, 
and, in fact, all the particulars concerning our- 
selves, even down to the date of our certificates 
of baptism, as Eeuben laughingly declared, but 
my father was one who could hold himself as 
high and mighty as any man who sported gold 
lace and shoulder-straps. 

General Washington sent a messenger to 
Captain Adam Hyler, asking that he come to him 
at this point, and there is no more information 
which I am at liberty to give you,” he said, speak- 
ing the officer fairly, yet with a certain degree of 
curtness. ‘‘ If you will inform the general that 
we have arrived. I’ll answer for it that we’re not 
kept waiting outside the lines very much longer.” 

At first it appeared as if this officer, who seemed 
to have a very good opinion of himself, would 


336 


AMOS OUNKfiL, OARSMAM. 


refuse to forward the word to headquarters. He 
turned away stiffly, without a word ; but later 
must have decided that it might not be safe to 
keep the fact of our arrival from the general, for 
after we had waited two hours or more an orderly 
came to escort us to the commander’s quarters. 

We traveled a good three miles through the 
snow before arriving at a small house near the 
bank of the river, and then I knew we were come 
at last to our journey’s end, because of the guard 
which paced to and fro in the front and rear of 
the building. 

We had hardly reached the door before it was 
opened, and a tall, stern-visaged man, with a mili- 
try cloak hanging carelessly from his shoulders, 
stepped outside and looked at us scrutinizingly. 

‘‘Who is in command of this party?” the 
general asked, for it was the gentleman from 
Virginia himself. 

Father stepped forward and saluted as if he 
had been born and bred a soldier. 

“And you come from Captain Adam Hyler ?” 

“Here is a letter from him, sir,” and father 
handed the general the missive we had brought 
all the way from Smithtown Bay. 

“You may come in, sir, and I will send some 
one to show your troops to quarters.” 



“Who is in command of this party?” the general asked. Father stepped 
forward and saluted.— Page 336. • Amos Dunkel. 





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BAD NEWS. 


337 


Then my father followed the general, and we 
were left standing outside until a sergeant, who 
by great good luck proved to be a Flushing man, 
came up with the word that we were to follow 
him. 

We were not long in finding out that he was 
born on Long Island, and when we told him who 
we were and where we had come from, he was 
eager to do everything possible for our comfort. 

A wood-shed an hundred yards or more from 
the house was the only shelter which could be 
given us, the sergeant explained in an apologetic 
tone, and I thought of the shipkeeper snug in 
the Princess’ cabin ; but without for a moment 
wishing I might be able to change places with 
him. 

We had been forced to leave the skiff, and, con- 
sequently, all our provisions, near where we were 
halted by the outpost, and the sergeant promised 
to send a squad of men after the stores as soon as 
he could get the necessary permission. 

First, however, he was eager to learn all we 
were able to tell him concerning Flushing and its 
citizens, and his satisfaction was great when we 
described to him the capture of Captain Downes, 
as well as the refusal of the British to treat for 

his exchange. 

22 


338 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


As a matter of course we told him of Simon 
Hunt’s career, and had begun an account of our 
attempt to liberate Americans from the prison- 
ships when father interrupted the story. 

His interview with the general was come to an 
end, and I understood by the expression on his 
face that we had not been summoned idly. 

It so happened that he was well acquainted 
with the sergeant, and seemed to consider it 
necessary to hold him long in conversation, much 
to the displeasure of us all, for we were burning 
with the desire to hear what was required of us. 

Finally, when it seemed as if he had loitered 
until the night was near at hand, our Flushing 
sergeant concluded to hunt up a squad of soldiers 
which he could send for our belongings, and im- 
mediately he had left the shed I asked impatiently : 

Did the general tell you why he wanted us, 
sir ? ” 

Yes, lad, and I’m at liberty to give you an 
inkling of the task, hut it is with the understand- 
ing that you are to keep it a profound secret, 
never so much as speaking of it where others may 
hear. It seems that we’re to join forces with 
some men from Massachusetts, and on a certain 
night undertake to ferry the army across the river 
to the New Jersey side.” 


BAD NEWS. 


339 


Cross this river in boats laden with men ? ” 
Zenas asked in astonishment. 

‘^Aye, lad.” 

It can’t be done ! ” my brother said decidedly. 
^^It would be a hard job to get an unloaded 
boat across while the river is so choked with ice, 
and the current so swift.” 

If that is really your opinion, it would have 
been better that you drew the black bean,” my 
father said sternly. ‘‘General Washington has 
said the work must be done, and it is not for us 
to set our belief against his wishes.” 

“ A whale-boat would be crushed into kindlings 
before she had been forced fifty feet from the 
shore,” Zenas said doggedly, and to my great re- 
lief the Flushing sergeant interrupted the conver- 
sation, for had it continued one minute longer 
hard words might have been spoken. 


340 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


CHAPTEK XVIII. 

ONE night’s work. 

When my father first spoke of the work which 
the commander-in-chief had laid out for us, it 
was in my mind, and Zenas and Moses shared the 
same belief, that we from Long Island were to 
have charge of the whole business — that upon our 
shoulders was to be laid the burden of transport- 
ing seven thousand men across a river which was 
lined from bank to bank with swiftly-moving ice, 
and that the task must be performed in one night. 

It was such a false impression that we began to 
discuss the matter after our Flushing sergeant 
had left the shed, and then it was that father 
quickly gave us to understand we were of no such 
importance in the eyes of the general. 

You are simply to do, each and every one, a 
man’s work with your hands, and no more. Some 
officer from Massachusetts colony — one General 
Glover, if I understand the name aright — is to 
command the force detailed to work the boats, 
and he has declared that the task can be accom- 


ONE NIGHT’S WORK. 


341 


plished within the time set by General Washing- 
ton, providing he has a sufficient force of expert 
boatmen,” my father said with just a show of 
irritation because we gave proof of being thick- 
headed, when a child ought to have understood 
the situation thoroughly well. Will it please 
you to say to these men from Massachusetts that 
what they are ready to set about is impossible 
for us of Long Island ? Shall I tell the general 
that you are afraid to attempt what others have 
allowed will be a simple task for men who are 
accustomed to handling boats ? ” 

Such a proposition angered us, as indeed my 
father believed it would, and Zenas was on his 
feet in a twinkling, the remainder of our party 
well satisfied that he should act the part of spokes- 
man. 

We are not afraid to attempt anything in the 
line of a sailor’s or a landsman’s duty, and have 
never intended you should so understand us, sir. 
We are ready to set our hands to anything, and 
will accomplish it if it be possible for mortal man. 
If these wonderful sailormen from Massachusetts, 
however, tell you that it is no more than a simple 
task to put a boat loaded with men across the 
Delaware Eiver while it is like a mill-race, and 
crowded with ice anywhere from ten inches to 


342 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


two feet thick, then you know as well as do the 
rest of us, that there is a falsehood Somewhere. 
All hands of us have had some experience with 
the ice since we left Philadelphia, and can guess 
what it might he to cross the river ; hut you mis- 
take us, father, if you believe we would refuse to 
make any effort, however impossible of accom- 
plishment it might seem, when General Washing- 
ton orders us forward.’’ 

‘^Do you still hold to it that the task cannot 
be performed ? ” my father asked mildly. 

I claim that the foremost boat would he 
crushed by the ice before she could be forced half- 
way across ; hut, perhaps, the second, or the 
third would live to reach the opposite bank. It 
is much like a lottery, sir.” 

‘^If a boat was crushed by the ice, particularly 
in the night-time, when one would not be able to 
see clearly, her crew would stand a good chance 
of being drowned,” father said half to himself, ' 
and Zenas replied, still acting as spokesman for 
all the party : 

Aye, sir, that is true, and yet you know full 
well that there is not a lad here who will hang 
hack once the word to make the venture is given.” 

‘‘ You are right, my hoy ; I do know that much, 
and have hut been trying your nerve. I grant 


ONE NIGHT’S WORK. 


343 


you this job is dangerous ; yet there is no ques- 
tion in my mind but that every one of you will 
tackle it bravely, and if death comes to one or 
all, it will be while we are doing valiant battle 
to accomplish the purpose. Here is as much as 
I understand of the enterprise ; Very shortly, I 
do not know exactly when, our army will make 
the attempt to cross the river during the night. 
One division, under General Cadwallader, will 
set out from nearabout Bristol ; a second, in 
command of General Ewing, is to start from this 
point, while the main army, numbering between 
two and three thousand men, will embark at a 
place known as McKonkey’s, nine miles above 
here, and is to be led by Washington himself, 
under whom will serve Generals Sullivan and 
Greene. We are to put in our work with this last 
force, and it is proposed that we set out early 
to-morrow morning for the rendezvous, in order 
to assist at overhauling the boats in case any 
repairs are needed. ” 

Such a statement as my father had just made 
satisfied our company thoroughly. There was 
not a lad among us who even thought of shirk- 
ing the danger, but it was only natural we should 
speculate upon the chances of accomplishing the 
work. 


344 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


Of a verity it was a hazardous venture, and I 
for one did not believe it within the power of 
man, yet there was never the slightest desire in 
my heart to beat a retreat. On the contrary, I 
was well pleased that we of Long Island would 
have an opportunity of showing men from Massa- 
chusetts that we could handle a boat as well, if 
not better, than they. 

During the remainder of the day and evening 
we spoke of little else save how the task might 
best be performed under this or that condition of 
tide and wind, and many useful hints did we 
gather from the discussion. 

Our Flushing sergeant saw to it that" our skiff 
was dragged upstream to a small cove near by 
where we then were, and he also took it upon 
himself to provide us with such articles of comfort 
or necessity as could be come at in an army where 
nearly every one, from the commander-in-chief 
to the private, was lacking in this or that essen- 
tial portion of a soldier’s outfit. 

The most difficult part of telling such a tale 
as this is the necessity of hurrying over incidents 
which at the time seemed of great importance, 
but to a stranger unacquainted with the situation, 
would sound like a multiplication of useless 
words. 


ONE NIGHT’S WORK. 


345 


Ifc would please me right well to describe 
what we saw and repeat all we heard, during 
such brief time as we remained with this half- 
clad, half-starved army on the banks of the Dela- 
ware ; but it would require in the telling more 
pages than I have time to fill. 

Therefore it is I must content myself with say- 
ing that early in the morning after our arrival 
at General Washington’s headquarters, we set 
out for the point known as McKonkey’s, and 
'once there found ample work to keep us from 
dwelling upon the peril which the future had in 
store for us. 

The men from Massachusetts were by no means 
puffed up with pride as I had fancied. They 
were right good comrades, ready for a jest or a 
pleasant word as the occasion might require, and 
never shirking their full complement of work. 

We found along the river bank a vast number 
of craft ; some of them as staunch whale-boats 
as could be seen in Captain Hyler’s fleet ; others 
no more than light shallops which would not have 
stood up a single moment against the ice-cakes 
when two or more crashed together. 

It was said that all the boats from both sides 
of the river had been collected, either here or at 
the other points where our army was to embark. 


346 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


and that by such means had the Britishers been 
prevented from crossing the river in pursuit when 
General Washington retreated into Pennsylvania 
in but poor condition to risk a battle. 

It can well be supposed that among so many 
boats, and in view of the rough usage to which 
they were subjected, there was much labor in the 
nature of repairs to be performed. 

From the instant we reported to General John 
Glover, who was in charge of this difficult trans- 
portation, until the time arrived for beginning 
the task, hardly an idle moment was spent. 

If we could have got at a store of lumber such 
as was needed, much might have been done to- 
ward putting the small craft into proper shape 
for the work required of them ; but we had very 
little with which to make repairs, and on that 
Christmas afternoon in the year of Independence, 
when we were ordered to be ready for our work 
as ferrymen, I looked with dismay and apprehen- 
sion at the frail craft in which the flower of the 
Patriot Army was to be embarked. 

Some of our lads had fancied that we would 
make some note of Christmas day, if in no other 
way than to spend it idly ; but early on that morn- 
ing my father made known to us who had come 
from Captain Hyler’s fleet, that the gigantic 


ONE NIGHT’S WORK. 


347 


undertaking would be begun in the evening, and 
there were so many necessary things yet to be 
done that we hardly stopped long enough to eat 
our scanty rations. 

It can well be supposed that we watched care- 
fully the weather, and when, late in the after- 
noon, the wind set in from the north-east, bring- 
ing with it a blinding storm of snow and sleet, I 
said despairingly to Zenas : 

“ I had thought that the passage would be im- 
possible on a reasonably calm day, when we would 
have no more to contend with than the current 
and the ice ; but now, with a whole gale raging, 
how can the task be performed ? ” 

General Washington won’t think of trying to 
go over in such a storm,” Reuben said confidently, 
‘^I’m told the army will be forced to march nine 
miles, after gaining the other side, in order to 
come upon the Britishers at Trenton, and it isn’t 
likely he’d count on making such a journey as 
that, even though he was at this moment on the 
opposite bank.” 

In this both Zenas and I agreed with Reuben ; 
but we soon came to know that more than a 
snow-storm and a raging torrent was needed to 
prevent our commander-in-chief from carrying 
out his plans. 


348 AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 

An hour before sunset a mounted officer came 
into our camp, which might better have been 
called a ship-yard, and a few moments later it 
was noised around among us anxious ones 
that General Washington had sent General 
Glover word regarding the beginning of his 
march. 

The troops were actually coming, in all that 
storm, to attempt a passage which, even when 
one cast aside every thought of danger, was 
frightful in the extreme. 

The heavy blasts had broken the ice further up 
the river, and huge masses were swirling, pitch- 
ing and rolling on the swift current, now crash- 
ing into each other with a grinding roar that 
could be heard even above the howling of the 
wind, and again surging against the banks until 
tons upon tons were forced high on the shore. 

What with the wind and the indescribable 
tumult caused by the swiftly-moving ice, it was 
difficult for a fellow to make himself heard by his 
nearest neighbor, save when he shouted at the 
full strength of his lungs, and I asked myself 
what chance we who would labor at the oars could 
have of hearing such commands as might be given 
from time to time after we had begun the appar- 
ently impossible work ? 


ONE NIGHT’S WORK. 


349 


I am not ashamed to say that I was a regular 
coward in face of all the perils which confronted 
us, and for the first time since leaving Philadel- 
phia I would have rejoiced at the opportunity of 
changing places with the shipkeeper on board the 
Princess. 

I should have been faint-hearted had we counted 
on performing the task in the daylight ; but to 
make the effort during a night that promised to 
he pitchy dark and amid a howling gale, seemed 
much like madness. 

The one idea in my mind was to keep the other 
lads from realizing how frightened I had become, 
and to such end I moved here or there without 
other aim or purpose than to avoid the necessity 
of speaking with my comrades. And it was not 
difficult to thus remain alone in the midst of a 
throng ; all of our party showed a decided disin- 
clination to converse on any subject, and it may 
have been that among them were other hearts as 
cowardly as mine. 

The night was just closing in when we were 
told off into crews — eight men to each barge, six 
to every whale-boat, and so on according to the 
size of the craft. 

As a matter of course the fleet could not be 
launched at once, for the current and the ice 


350 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


would soon have carried it away ; but the boats 
were in position to be pushed into the water when- 
ever the word should he given, and each crew 
waited in or near the craft to which it had been 
assigned. 

Zenas, Eeuben and I were detailed to one of the 
whale-boats, the remainder of our crew being 
made up of lads from Massachusetts. 

Father and Moses, as I understood, were in 
charge of a barge in which some of the officers 
would embark, while the others of our company 
from Long Island were scattered here or there 
according to the fancy of those in command. 

We three lads, meaning Zenas, Eeuben and 
myself, crawled under the lee of our craft while 
we waited the coming of the troops, and there we 
were like to have frozen to death, so cold was the 
air and so penetrating the icy blast. 

^‘We won’t do much by way of complaining 
yet awhile,” Zenas replied grimly, when I sug- 
gested that we might be stiff and lifeless before 
the soldiers came along. It is comfortable here 
compared with what it will be in mid-stream 
when we are coated with ice, for the spray and 
sleet is freezing wherever it falls.” 

‘‘It doesn’t stand to reason that the soldiers 
will be able to do very much fighting after a 


ONE NIGHT’S WORK. 


351 


march of nine miles, to say nothing of the dis- 
tance they must come before embarking,” Reu- 
ben suggested. There won’t be a single charge 
of dry powder among them, and the Britishers 
should be able to whip them without any great 
trouble.” 

No one made reply to this remark ; it was 
much too disagreeable a subject to be continued 
under all the circumstances, and we were yet 
keeping silent when the advance guard of the 
army marched up. 

From that time on, until nearly nine hours 
had passed, we had no time to converse, or to real- 
ize whether we were suffering more than should 
have been expected. 

It was in this fashion that we set about the 
work of ferrying two thousand five hundred men 
across that raging torrent, and credit should be 
given General Glover for the precision of his 
preparations, although I doubt not that Long 
Island could have produced fishermen, or sailors 
generally, who would have made very capable 
hands at conducting the work. 

The manner of embarking one boat-load was 
the same as another, therefore when I have told 
of what our crew did, it is as if I had described 
each in turn. 


852 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


According to the general’s commands we were 
to carry twenty men in our boat, and that num- 
ber were ordered out of line when the head of the 
column arrived near where we were stationed. 

Then Zenas, who acted as our captain, warned 
the soldiers to be ready to leap on board as soon 
as the craft was water-borne, cautioning them at 
the same time that we would launch the boat 
at the first opportune moment and she must be 
loaded before the next cake of ice was hurled to- 
ward us. 

The men, fearing to face the danger and yet 
ashamed to let their companions understand such 
fact, obeyed implicitly, and from the moment 
Zenas gave the word to run our boat into the 
water, until she was well under way, everything 
went like clockwork. 

Only cool-headed soldiers of experience could 
have performed the work which we did that 
night with but trifling mishaps, compared with 
the number of men whose lives were in peril. 

Once our craft was afloat two men plied four 
oars, while the remainder of our crew were sta- 
tioned fore and aft to ward off the oncoming ice, 
and at the same time aid the progress by shoving 
aginst the masses which had floated to leeward. 
The oarsmen accomplished little save when, at rare 


ONE NIGHT’S WORK. 


353 


intervals, we were in clear water. The greater 
portion of the labor was performed by those who 
worked with iron-shod poles which had been 
especially prepared for the occasion. 

It goes without saying that we made no at- 
tempt at striking straight across the current, 
else would we have been carried miles below the 
point it was necessary to gain. The boats were 
headed up-stream, as if the purpose was to ascend 
the river, and thus we contrived to make nearly 
as much headway as we did stern way while we 
worked toward the opposite bank, but every inch 
of progress was won by the most severe labor. 

The sleet stung our eyes and faces like needles, 
and for many minutes at a time was it absolutely 
impossible for me to see what might be going on, 
because of the terrible pain in my eyeballs. The 
wind had full rake upon us, and in five minutes 
our clothing was stiff as so much sheet-iron, 
owing to the coating of ice which formed upon it ; 
but yet we did not suffer excessively from the 
cold. We were indulging in such violent exer- 
cise that the blood fairly boiled in our veins ; 
but the soldiers, who had orders to remain mo- 
tionless under all circumstances, must have suf- 
fered severely from the freezing moisture. 

We gained a yard up-stream only to be swept 

23 


354 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


back again when the ice-pack tore down upon us 
like some living monster, and then would come 
the struggle to regain our ground. 

At times we would be carried half a mile or 
more down the river, and again we found open 
water where the oarsmen could get in their work, 
while we who labored with the poles had an 
opportunity of regaining breath. 

It was a furious fight against the elements, 
while never for a moment did it seem possible 
we could succeed, and yet we came off victors 
after a time. 

How many minutes or hours we spent in get- 
ting the first load of passengers across I could 
not have said ; but I knew full well we had con- 
quered only to begin a new battle, and it seemed 
as if we must finally be overcome. 

Once on the other side and the soldiers disem- 
barked, Zenas allowed us to rest until we began 
to be sensible of the cold, and then our craft was 
launched into that tumult of water and ice once 
more. 

Because of having no load, we gained the other 
shore in less time than had been occupied by the 
first fight, and as soon as we were come to the 
bank another cargo was ready for us. 

By this time every craft was afloat, and we not 


ONE NIGHT’S WORK. 


355 


only found it necessary to struggle against the 
floating ice, but to prevent ourselves from crash- 
ing into other boats, when dire disaster must have 
resulted. 

Whether the lads from Massachusetts out- 
stripped us in the battle, or if we from Long Island 
proved ourselves their superiors, I am unable to 
say. Since that fearful night I have heard the 
question discussed again and again ; but never 
believed it was settled beyond a doubt. Certain it 
is, however, that all hands fought to the utmost 
of their strength and ability, and the task which 
had seemed so impossible, was Anally accom- 
plished. 

We who served under Zenas made five round 
trips, and then I was so nearly exhausted that 
had it been to save my own life I could not have 
done a full share of putting the boat across once 
more. 

The army had been landed, and we were ordered 
to remain by the fleet lest, peradventure. General 
Washington’s force was compelled to beat a re- 
treat across the river, when it would be our duty 
to act as ferrymen again so long as the enemy 
might permit. 

It was also ordered that no fires be lighted, for 
a single tiny flame might have betrayed to the 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


35C) 

Britishers that which it was so important should 
be kept a secret, and we, wet to the skin, covered 
with ice, and fatigued to the verge of exhaustion, 
were forced to remain without shelter on the 
bank of the river while the soldiers marched 
away. 

Zenas ordered us to turn our craft bottom up 
on the shore, and after the windward side had 
been banked with snow to prevent the chilling 
blast from finding entrance, we crept beneath it 
to get such warmth as might be had from each 
other by huddling close together. 

We had labored without ceasing more than ten 
hours ; but probably our condition was not worse 
than that of the soldiers who had been ferried 
across early in the evening, since these last were 
obliged to remain exposed to the full fury of the 
gale until the last detachment had made the 
passage. 

To occupy our minds so that we might not 
dwell upon the painful situation, we discussed 
the probable movements of the aYmy ; speculated 
whether General Cadwallader’s division had 
already crossed from Bristol, or if General 
Ewing’s force found the passage at Trenton ferry 
more difficult than we had so much further up 
the river. 


ONE NIGHT’S WORK. 357 

There was never one among us who believed 
that the movement would prove a success. 

The most we dared hope for was that our army 
might get safely back on the Pennsylvania side of 
the river after inflicting some little damage upon 
the enemy. 

It seemed absolutely impossible that half frozen 
soldiers, whose ammunition must have been 
soaked with water — men who were fatigued with 
a long night march amid the swirling snow and 
stinging sleet, could stand up for a single moment 
against the old, well-seasoned Hessians who held 
Trenton. 

On that terrible night we blamed General 
Washington for lack of judgment, although not 
one dared put the thought into words, and believed 
that this last move was the despairing effort of a 
man who had been rendered desperate by serious 
reverses. 

After a time we ceased to hold converse one 
with another ; the winter’s chill had fastened 
upon us, and we were like to have frozen to death 
beneath the boat had not Zenas, ever alive to all 
the circumstances, forced us to run to and fro 
on the bank, when the day had broke, to set the 
sluggish blood into circulation. 

We lads from Long Island naturally flocked 


358 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


together at such a time, and a more despairing, 
haggard-looking set of fellows I never saw as we 
waited there for the return of an army which we 
believed would come as fugitives, with the Brit- 
ishers close at their heels. 


HONORABLE DISCHARGE. 


359 


CHAPTER XIX. 

HONORABLE DISCHARGE. 

Even at this late day, when the independence 
of the Colonies is fully assured, thanks to the 
generalship and patriotism of the gentleman from 
Virginia, I am amazed as I look back upon that 
terrible Christmas night and realize that our 
people won a most signal victory. 

We who paced to and fro on the river bank, 
half frozen and wholly given over to dispiriting 
forebodings, saw a detachment of troops coming 
from the direction of Trenton shortly after noon, 
and the cry went up : 

‘‘ Some of them have escaped ! Get ready the 
boats ! ” 

Because our people delayed so long in the com- 
ing, many of us had really begun to believe that 
the entire army had been captured, and it can 
well he fancied how incredulous we were when 
the newcomers claimed that General Washing- 
ton had whipped the Hessians out of their hoots, 
killing their commander. Colonel Rail, and seven- 
teen of his men. A full thousand of the king’s 


360 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


soldiers had surrendered at discretion, and instead 
of fleeing before the Britishers, our general had 
probably put a stop to the home visit of my Lord 
Cornwallis. 

In this wonderful battle of Trenton we had lost 
only two men, who were killed, but during that 
painful march two others had literally frozen to 
death. 

And fancy, if you will, that all this work had 
been done by those troops we ferried across ! 

The other two divisions had remained through 
the night on the Pennsylvania side of the river ! 

The boatmen who had been sent to transport 
General Cadwallader’s force, turned back after 
getting nearly half-way across, and decided that 
it was impossible to accomplish the task. 

The Pennsylvanians who were to carry Gen- 
eral Ewing’s portion of the army never even at- 
tempted the task ; one glance of that turbulent 
river filled with ice was too much for them, and 
they made no effort to cross. 

How we Massachusetts and Long Island lads 
plumed ourselves after learning that we had done 
what all the other boatmen balked at ! 

We danced with joy because of what our gen- 
eral had accomplished, and in pride of our own 
achievements ! 


HONORABLE DISCHARGE. 36I 

We had not turned back when it seemed as if 
certain death awaited him who should put forth 
in a boat ! We had not remained under shelter 
because the sleet blinded, and the wind froze us 
until we were well-nigh helpless ! We had 
fought against the river, the ice, and the storm, 
and come off victorious as did those we ferried 
across ! 

All along the river front resounded cheers for 
our gentleman from Virginia ; for the troops he 
led through the sleet and snow ; for Massachusetts 
colony and her boatmen, and, lastly for Long 
Island lads who had held their own and a little 
more on this Christmas night when death walked 
hand in hand with them ! 

Forgotten was our hunger now ; we no longer 
gave heed to the fact that we were frost-bitten, 
stiff in every joint, or that the garments which 
we wore were shells of ice rather than anything 
made for warmth or protection against the 
weather. All was as nothing in view of the won- 
drous fact that we had won a most glorious vic- 
tory at the very time when it seemed as if the 
Cause was hopelessly lost ! 

What roaring fires we built, aided by the de- 
tachment of soldiers that had been sent forward 
to spread the cheering news ! How we toasted 


362 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


our aching shins and cheered for Washington, 
Massachusetts and Long Island ! 

And, finally, what a glorious day it was alto- 
gether ! 

But we who had been detailed to man the fieet 
had by no means come to an end of our labors. 

General Washington had decided that, after 
striking such a blow, it would be prudent to re- 
turn to Pennsylvania soil, putting the ice-laden 
river between him and the British hordes which 
might come hot foot to avenge the hogging. 
Therefore we boatmen had a 3^et harder, but not 
so dangerous, task before us, for in addition to 
those we had carried across during the night, we 
were forced to ferry over a thousand Hessians, 
as many stands of arms, and six pieces of artil- 
lery. 

We did the job, however, singing and rejoicing 
all the while, and when the tired army was once 
more in the apology for a camp near the falls 
of Trenton, we lads took possession of our shed 
again. 

It would be useless for me to make any attempt 
at repeating all we said or did during the four 
and twenty hours we remained there, for our 
conversation and our rejoicing was but a repeti- 
tion of what we had indulged in on the bank of 


HONORABLE DISCHARGE. 363 

the river when first the joyful tidings were 
brought. 

There was one subject, however, which had 
not been mentioned in the first fiush of victory, 
but was now discussed freely, and that was as to 
whether we should return to Smithtown Bay, or 
cast in our fortune with the army. 

While recruits were needed so sadly there was 
no question but that we should be gladly received ; 
but would it he playing fairly toward Captain 
Hyler, to whom we were in a certain degree 
bound ? 

He was in a position to work much injury to 
the enemy, and might, in a small way, accom- 
plish great good for the Cause. 

Should we return to him, or remain where we 
had already won much credit for ourselves ? 

It was Zenas who settled this question after we 
had talked and argued an hour or more, and he 
did it simply by stating what was his own pur- 
pose. 

“ As the case looks to me, I’m bound to report 
to Captain Hyler. The lads of the whale-boat 
navy have shown what they are capable of do- 
ing, and if so much can be accomplished by them, 
it is best they hold together under the leader- 
ship of one who enjoys the confidence of General 


364 


AMOS DXJNKEL, OARSMAN. 


Washington himself. As soon as we are dis- 
charged from service here, I count on going 
aboard the Princess again, getting under way, 
and putting her into Smithtown Bay with the 
least possible delay. 

It went without saying that we Dunkels would 
follow Zenas, and, seeing this, the remainder of 
the company decided that no other course could 
be honorably pursued. 

In less than half an hour after we had arrived 
at this decision all hands of us were summoned 
before General Glover, who had followed the 
commander-in-chief to headquarters. 

We found him standing outside the building, 
and if I should set down here all the words of 
praise he bestowed upon us, there would be good 
reason for accusing me of taking advantage of 
the opportunity to speak my own praise. There- 
fore it is I shall only say that my father came in 
for a goodly share of fine words ; that we were 
all complimented until it really seemed as if we 
must walk on stilts during the remainder of our 
lives, and the general wound up by offering rapid 
advancement if we chose to stay with the army. 

Then my father explained why we believed it 
necessary to go back to Long Island when our 
services as boatmen were no longer required, and 


HONORABLE DISCHARGE. 


m 


made the general acquainted with the decision we 
had so lately arrived at, concluding by saying : 

‘‘ When we are discharged, sir, we desire to re- 
trace our steps, believing that we may do more 
for the Cause in the whale-boat service than we 
could on land.” 

‘‘You are honorably discharged,” the general 
said with a smile, “and you are to take back 
with you the personal thanks of General Wash- 
ington, who has instructed me to speak in his 
name. He desires to reward you in some more 
substantial manner than mere words, and to that 
end I request that each of you call upon the 
quartermaster-general. ” 

“ May I ask if the commander counts on paying 
us for our services ? ” my father asked quickly, 
and General Glover replied : 

“That is his intention. The camp chest is not 
well filled, I will admit ; but there should, be some- 
thing to spare for such as you.” 

“We beg that nothing of the kind be done, sir, 
and I now speak for every lad present. We have 
entered the service without thought of earning 
money, for in the whale-boat navy there is no 
mention made of wages, therefore it would not be 
well for us to take any dollars from the army, 
more especially since they can be used for a better 


366 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


purpose than that of paying for labor which we 
were proud to perform.” 

When my father came to a pause the general 
bowed without speaking, and suddenly entered 
the building, leaving us standing outside wonder- 
ing whether we should return to the shed, or begin 
the march to Philadelphia. 

We were yet discussing among ourselves as to 
what it was proper to do, considering the fact 
that we had not been really dismissed, when the 
door of the building was opened and General 
Washington himself appeared. 

Never have I seen so friendly, cheery a smile 
as was on the face of our gentleman from Virginia 
when he bowed to us. 

‘‘You have rendered valuable service to the 
cause of freedom, my lads,” he said, bowing again, 
and I was like to have cried aloud with joy be- 
cause words of praise were addressed to me by 
such as him. “I thank you most heartily, and 
if the time comes that I need your aid, I shall not 
hesitate to summon you. General Glover will see 
to it that you are given transportation to Phil- 
adelphia, and I wish you well. Convey my thanks 
to Captain Hyler for having sent me such efficient 
men.” 

Then he bowed and reentered the building, 


HONORABLE DISCHARGE. 


36Y 


leaving us standing there so puffed up with pride 
because the commander-in-chief had personally 
praised us, that they might as well have let us 
tramp to the city, since we would never have 
known whether we went on our heads or our heels, 
therefore the journey need not have fatigued 
us. 

It is the one rich memory which I shall carry 
to the grave with me, and he fully conscious of 
it at the last moment of life, that General Wash- 
ington thanked me for having done a valuable 
service for himself and the Cause ! 

It is here that I count on bringing this overly 
long story to an end, because among all the ad- 
ventures which were mine while serving under 
Captain Hyler there is none so full of glory as 
that which I have just set down, and he who can 
wind up a poor tale with such a scene, would be 
unwise to continue it further. 

True we served under Captain Hyler several 
years, and on more than one occasion were so 
fortunate as to be summoned by General Wash- 
ington ; but the only time he ever publicly thanked 
us, was after we had performed our small share 
toward gaining the victory at Trenton. And I 
daresay there never was a time when a victory 
was more sorely needed to revive the courage of 


AMOS DUNKEL, OAHSMaN. 


aes 

those who were giving their all, even venturing 
life itself, to the cause of liberty. 

We left headquarters next morning in farm 
wagons, and late that evening surprised our ship- 
keeper on board the Princess. 

It would have pleased all our company very 
much could we have spent a few days in Phila- 
delphia, but the river yet remained open ; there 
was every reason to believe it would be frozen 
over before many days had passed, and we were 
eager to sail the sloop into Smithtown Bay. 

During the remainder of that winter we were 
forced to stay close in camp nearly all the time ; 
but we managed to strike a blow at the Tories 
now and then, and among other satisfactory do- 
ings was that of finally disposing of our prisoners, 
which we did by carrying them to General Put- 
nam after he occupied Princeton. 

What finally became of Simon Hunt I am un- 
able to say ; we never heard from him directly 
again, although it was rumored in Flushing that 
he had shipped on board a British frigate. At all 
events, none of us who belonged to Captain 
Hyler’s whale-boat navy saw him again. 

Two years later Captain Downes reappeared 
in Flushing, with a safe-conduct from General 
Sullivan, he having convinced that officer of his 


HONORABLE DISCHARGE. 


369 


innocence so far as doing a wrong to Whigs was 
concerned ; but he was never able to make any 
one on Long Island believe such a yarn, and after 
occupying his old home a few weeks he decided 
that it would be more pleasant, as well as safer, 
to move south where he was not so well known. 

Elijah Cornwall paid the penalty of his crime 
at last ; but we of the whale-boat navy had no 
hand in the final scene. After having attempted to 
betray us, he went to New York, and, six months 
later, offered his services as spy to General Howe. 
He was sent into New Jersey, was captured by 
the Continental forces under circumstances which 
admitted of no misconstruction as to the reason 
for his being there, and hanged with but little 
ceremony. 

In the spring of ’Y7 I was given command of 
the Princess, which craft had come to be consid- 
ered as a portion of Captain Hyler’s navy, and, 
therefore, my story naturally ends itself, since I 
only set out to tell of Amos Dunkel as an oars- 
man,” and it would not be well to continue it 
after I had been made a captain. 

From the New Jersey Gazette, September 2Mh, 1782. 

“ Died, September 6th, after a tedious and painful illness, 
which he bore with a great deal of fortitude, the brave Cap- 
tain Adam Hyler, of New Brunswick. His many enterprising 
acts in annoying and distressing the enemy, endeared him to 
24 


370 ' 


AMOS DUNKEL, OARSMAN. 


the patriotic part of his acquaintances. He has* left a wife 
and two small children to bewail his death. His remains 
were decently interred, with a display of the honors of war, 
in the Dutch burial-ground, attended by a very numerous 
concourse of his acquaintances. 

“ Captain Hyler died of a wound in the knee, accidentally 
given by himself some time ago.” 

From the New Jersey Gazette, November lUh, 1782. 

“ The brave Captain Amos Dunkel, commissioned as a pri- 
vate boat-of-war, under the States, and who promises fair to 
be the genuine successor of the late valiant Captain Hyler, 
has given a recent instance of his valor and conduct in captur- 
ing one of the enemy’s vessels, and in cutting out a vessel 
lying under the flag-staff and within half pistol shot of the 
battery of fourteen guns at the watering place, Staten 
Island.” 


THE END. 


A* L. Burt’s Catalogue of Books for 
Young People by Popular Writers, 52- 
58 Duane Street, New York ^ 


BOOKS FOR BOYS. 

Joe’s Luck: A Boy’s Adventures in California. By 

Horatio Alger, Jr. 12uio, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 

The story is chock fall of stirrine: incidents, while the amusing situ- 
ations are furnished by Joshua Bickford, from Pumpkin Hollow, and the 
fellow who modestl.v styles himself the “Rip-tail Roarer, from Pike Co., 
Missouri.” Mr. Alger never writes a poor book, aud “Joe’s Luck” is cer- 
tainly one of his best. 

Tom the Bootblack; or, The Koad to Success. By 

Horatto Alger, Jr. 12nio, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 

A bright, enterprising lad ^vas Tom the Bootblack. He was not at all 
ashamed of his humble calling, though always on the lookout to better 
himself. The lad started for Cincinnati to look up his heritage. Mr. 
Grey, the uucle, did not hesitate to employ a ruffian to kill the lad. The 
plan failed, and Gilbert Grey, once Tom the bootblack, came into a com- 
fortable fortune. This is one of Mr. Alger’s best stories. 

Dan the Newsboy. By Horatio Alger^ Jr. 12mo, 

cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 

Dan Mordaunt and his mother live in a poor tenement, and the lad Is 
pluckily trying to make ends meet by selling papers in the streets of New 
York. A little heiress of six years is confided to the care of the Mor- 
daunts. The child is kidnapped and Dan tracks the child to the house 
where she is hidden, and rescues her. The wealthy aunt of the little 
heiress is so delighted with Dan’s courage and many good qualities 
that she adopts him as her heir. 

Tony the Hero: A Brave Boy’s Adventure with a 

Tramp. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
Tony, a sturdy bright-eyed boy of fourteen, is under the control of 
Rudolph Rugg, a thorough rascal. After much abuse Tony runs away 
and gets a job as stable boy in a country hotel. Tony is heir to a 
large estate. Rudolph for a consideration hunts up Tony and throws 
him down a deep well. Of course Tony escapes from the fate provided 
for him, and by a brave act, a rich friend secures his rights and Tony 
is prosperous. A very entertaining book. 

The Errand Boy; or. How Phil Brent Won Success. 

By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth illustrated, price $1,00. 

The career of “The Errand Boy” embraces the city adventures of a 
smart country lad. Philip was brought up by a kind-hearted innkeeper 
named Brent. The death of Mrs. Brent paved the way for the hero’s 
subsequent troubles. A retired merchant in New York secures him the 
situation of errand boy, and thereafter stands as his friend. 

Tom Temple’s Career. By Horatio Alger^ Jr. 12mo, 

cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 

Tom Temple is a bright, self-reliant lad. He leaves Plympton village 
to seek work in New York, whence he undertakes an important mission 
to California. Some of his adventures in the far west are so startling that 
the reader will scarcely close the book until the last page shall have been 
reached. The tale is written in Mr. Alger’s most fascinating style. 


For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the 
publisher, A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street. New York. 


2 A. L. BURT^S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE 


BOOKS FOR BOYS. 

Frank Fowler, the Cash Boy. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 

12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 

Frank Fowler, a poor boy, bravely determines to make a living for 
himself and his foster-sister Grace. Going to New York he obtains a 
situation as cash boy in a dry goods store. He renders a service to a 
wealthy old gentleman who takes a fancy to the lad, and thereafter 
helps the lad to gain success and fortune. 

Tom Thatcher’s Fortune. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 

12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 

Tom Thatcher is a brave, ambitious, unselfish boy. He supports his 
mother and sister on meagre wages earned as a shoe-pegger in John 
Simpson’s factory. Tom is discharged from the factory and starts over- 
land for California. He meets with many adventures. The story is told 
in a w^ay which has made Mr. Alger’s name a household word in so many 
homes. 

The Train Boy. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 13mo, 

cloth, illustrated, price $1.00, 

Paul Palmer was a wide-awake boy of sixteen who supported his mother 
and sister by selling books and papers on the Chicago and Milwaukee 
Railroad- He detects a young man in the act of picking the pocket of a 
young lady. In a railway accident many passengers are killed, but Paul 
is fortunate enough to assist a Chicago merchant, who out of gratitude 
takes him into his employ. Paul succeeds with tact and judgment and 
is well started on the road to business prominence. 

Mark Mason’s Victory. The Trials and Triumphs of 

a Telegraph Boy. By Horatio Algsr, Jr. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price 

$ 1 . 00 . 

Mark Mason, the telegraph boy, was a sturdy, honest lad, who pluckily 
won his way to success by his honest manly efforts under many diffi- 
culties. This story will please the very large class of boys who regard 
Mr. Alger as a favorite author, 

A Debt of Honor. The Story of Oerald Lane’s Success 

in the Far West. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price 

$ 1 . 00 . 

The story of Gerald Lane and the account of the many trials and dis- 
appointments which he passed through before he attained success, will 
interest all boys who have read the previous stories of this delightful 
author. 

Ben Bruce. Scenes in the Life of a Bowery Newsboy. 

By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 

Ben Bruce was a brave, manly, generous boy. The story of bis efforts, 
and many seeming failures and disappointments, and his final success, are 
most interesting to all readers. The tale is written in Mr. Alger’s 
most fascinating style. 

The Castaways; or. On the Florida Reefs. By James 

Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 

This tale smacks of the salt sea. From the moment that the Sea 
Queen leaves lower New York bay till the breeze leaves her becalmed off 
the coast of Florida, one can almost bear the whistle of the wind 
through her rigging, the creak of her straining cordage as she heels to 
the leeward. The adventures of Ben Clark, the hero of the storv and 
Jake the cook, cannot fail to charm the reader. As a writer for young 
people Mr, Otis is a prime favorite. 

For sale by all bookpellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the 
publisher, A. L. BVRT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York* 



JUL 1 


1901 





